This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty treat that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast! It combines fresh zucchini with melted cheese for a moist, flavorful bread.
I love how simple it is to whip up—just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the wonderful aroma. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in! 🥒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini is the star of this bread. It adds moisture and a subtle flavor. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash works well too.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can use whole wheat flour for extra nutrition. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly!
Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but feel free to mix it up. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work great too if you prefer a milder taste.
Oil or Butter: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist, but melted butter adds a rich flavor. You could also use olive oil for a different taste.
Eggs: These help bind the ingredients. For a vegan version, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini Without Making a Mess?
Grating zucchini can get a bit messy, but here are some tips to make it easier:
- Use a box grater or food processor for quick results.
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean towel and twist to squeeze out excess moisture, which prevents a soggy bread.
- Don’t worry about making it perfect; just focus on getting even pieces!
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done Baking?
The bread will be golden brown on top and should spring back when gently pressed. Here’s a helpful way to check for doneness:
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s covered in batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit, as it continues to cook slightly even after it’s out of the oven.
Enjoy making this delicious zucchini cheese bread!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for savory depth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 50 – 60 minutes to bake. So, plan on about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total before you’ll be enjoying this delicious zucchini cheese bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture. This step is essential for keeping the bread from becoming soggy. Set the prepared zucchini aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. This mix of dry ingredients will give your bread great flavor and rise!
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and mix well until everything combines smoothly.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
6. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold in the squeezed zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan if you’re using it), parsley, and minced garlic (if desired). Make sure everything is mixed evenly, but be gentle to keep the bread light and fluffy.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want it golden on top!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling time helps retain the bread’s moisture.
Enjoy your moist and cheesy zucchini bread warm or at room temperature! Perfect for snacking, breakfast, or as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Bread?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the batter, just like you would with fresh zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour; however, the bread may have a denser texture. Consider adding a little extra moisture, like a splash of milk, if needed.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Besides the optional herbs and garlic, you can add spices like cayenne pepper for a kick, or mix-ins like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or cooked bacon for added flavor. Get creative with your additions!
