This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a delightful treat that combines savory herbs and rich cheddar cheese with tender squash. It’s moist, cheesy, and oh-so-good!
Who can resist warm bread? I love serving it with soup or just enjoying a slice with butter. It rarely lasts long in my house—everyone keeps asking for more! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread, giving it structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor. You can substitute it with medium cheddar, gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese for a different taste or dietary needs.
Squash: Yellow squash or zucchini works best here, but if you don’t have either, you can use carrots or sweet potatoes, finely grated and squeezed dry.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary give lovely flavor. Feel free to swap them for Italian seasoning or use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead.
How Do I Properly Grate and Prepare Squash?
When using squash, prep is key to avoid a soggy bread! Start by washing and cutting off the ends of the squash. Use a box grater to shred it, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This helps the bread rise better!
- Cut off ends of the squash.
- Use a box grater and shred the squash.
- Wrap it in a kitchen towel and twist to wring out moisture.
Taking this extra step really helps improve the final texture of your bread, making it fluffy and delicious!
How to Make Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups grated squash (yellow squash or zucchini, squeezed dry)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Additionally, you’ll want to let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, followed by some time on a wire rack before slicing. In total, you can enjoy your delicious bread in under 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent your bread from sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This helps to combine everything evenly and avoids lumps.
3. Adding in the Cheddar Cheese and Squash:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated squash until they’re mixed throughout. The cheese adds flavor, and the squash keeps the bread moist!
4. Whisking the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Then add the oil and milk, mixing everything together until combined. This helps to create a smooth batter.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the two mixtures together gently until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Adding Fresh Parsley (if using):
If you’re using fresh parsley, fold it into the batter now for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using the spatula.
8. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cooling Time:
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Serving Your Delicious Bread:
Enjoy your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic plain or with a little butter spread on top! Serve it alongside soups or stews, or slice it for a savory breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can use gouda, mozzarella, or even feta for a different taste. Just make sure to shred or crumble it to ensure even distribution in the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
To store leftover Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices as needed!
Can I Substitute the Squash with Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have squash, finely grated carrots or sweet potatoes work well as substitutes. Just be sure to remove excess moisture as you would with squash to maintain the right texture.
What Should I Serve with This Bread?
This herb and cheddar squash bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or stews. It’s also delicious on its own, served warm with butter or even as a base for open-faced sandwiches!
