This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a delightful treat filled with tasty cheese and veggie goodness! It’s moist and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime.
I love how the zucchini keeps the bread nice and soft, plus it adds a touch of hidden healthiness! You might even find yourself eating it for dessert—shh, I won’t tell! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This vegetable adds moisture and nutrition to the bread. If zucchini is not available, you can use yellow squash. Both have a similar texture and flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor, but feel free to mix it up! You can use mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for a salty kick. A cheese blend works great too!
Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream: These ingredients help keep the bread moist. If you want a lighter option, use unsweetened applesauce or buttermilk as a substitute.
Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh parsley or chives for added flavor, but if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions can be used. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated!
How Do I Get the Right Moisture Level in My Bread?
Keeping the bread moist is essential! Start by squeezing the grated zucchini to remove excess water. This step is crucial as too much moisture can lead to soggy bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate your zucchini and gather it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze the towel firmly over the sink to push out extra moisture. You want the zucchini to feel less wet, but not completely dry.
Also, using ingredients like Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture without making the batter too thin. Stick to the measurements for the best results!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread with Moist Texture
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend like mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra moisture)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or scallions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, with an additional 50-60 minutes for baking. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before your delicious zucchini cheese bread is ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it tight to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the bread from becoming soggy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder. This will give your bread a wonderful flavor!
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another medium bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Carefully add the wet mixture to the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bread tough.
6. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any optional ingredients like chopped parsley or onions. Make sure everything is mixed in well!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Enjoy:
Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or paired with soups and salads!
This zucchini cheese bread is moist and bursting with flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture, as frozen vegetables tend to release more water when cooked.
How Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other add-ins like chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that too many add-ins can change the texture, so balance is key!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat as needed!
