This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a wonderful mix of veggies and cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack, and it’s super simple to whip up!
The zucchini keeps it moist, while the cheese adds a delightful touch. I love having a slice warm, preferably with butter. You’ll want to make extra to share, but watch out—it might disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key to keeping this bread moist. If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute with shredded carrots or even pumpkin puree. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from these too!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste. If you want a fun twist, try feta or crumbled blue cheese for a different kick!
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. You may need to add a splash more milk since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Do I Prevent My Zucchini Bread from Being Soggy?
Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated zucchini is crucial. Zucchini has a high water content, which can make your bread soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate your zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel to wring out as much liquid as possible. You’ll be surprised how much comes out!
- After squeezing, you can add the zucchini into your batter, ensuring it’s not too wet for a fluffy bread.
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini cheese bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 50-60 minutes of baking time. Allow for an additional 10 minutes to cool before slicing. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a handy homemade treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. While the oven is warming up, you can prepare your loaf pan. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini using a medium grater. Once grated, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is super important to keep your bread from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well combined to give your bread an even flavor.
4. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Now, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using dried herbs, sprinkle those in too! This will add a wonderful flavor to your bread.
5. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and milk. Whisk until everything is nice and smooth.
6. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; don’t overmix. You want your zucchini cheese bread to stay fluffy!
7. Fold in the Zucchini:
Carefully fold in the shredded zucchini. This adds moisture and flavor to your bread, making it absolutely yummy.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. It should look nice and even.
9. Bake It Up:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is where the lovely aroma fills your kitchen!
10. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—you’ll want to cut into it right away!
11. Enjoy!
Slice the bread once it’s cool and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Spread a little butter on it, and you’re in for a delicious treat! Your homemade zucchini cheese bread is ready to be devoured!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just remember that whole wheat absorbs more moisture, so you may need to add a splash more milk to get the right batter consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Substitutions?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in some chopped herbs like parsley or basil, diced bell peppers, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall wet-to-dry ratio balanced. If you want it meatier, crumbled sausage also works wonderfully!
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Cheese Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it as a side dish with soups or salads. It also pairs well with a bit of butter or cream cheese for spreading, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack!
