This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a fluffy delight packed with cheesy goodness and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your veggies while getting that cozy bread feel!
Who knew squash could be so tasty? I love slathering mine with butter right out of the oven. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a warm hug! 🥖💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Squash: I recommend butternut or acorn squash for their sweet flavor and creamy texture. If you’re short on time, canned pumpkin can be a good substitute, though it may make the bread a bit denser.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to swap it with mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick! If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can mix in whole wheat flour for added nutrients. Just use 1.5 cups of whole wheat and balance with 0.5 cups of all-purpose flour for the best results.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Plain yogurt works well, too!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for This Bread?
To get that wonderfully soft and fluffy bread, attention to mixing is key. Don’t overmix your batter! This can lead to dense bread. Mix until combined and you’ll keep the texture light.
- After combining wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together using a spatula.
- Only mix until you see no more flour streaks—it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy!
Letting the bread cool for a little while after baking helps set the texture. Cooling it completely on a wire rack prevents sogginess on the bottom.
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed squash (such as butternut or acorn squash)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 50-60 minutes. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before slicing. So in total, plan for about 1.5 hours including baking and cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, mixed herbs, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined, then set aside for later.
3. Making the Batter:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition.
4. Adding the Squash and Buttermilk:
Next, add in the cooked squash and buttermilk (or yogurt) to your butter and egg mixture. Mix until everything is just combined. You want it smooth but don’t overmix!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to combine everything just until you see no more flour. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; this keeps the bread light and fluffy!
6. Adding the Cheeses:
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan (if you’re using it). This adds incredible flavor to your bread!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the Bread:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cooling Before Slicing:
Once it’s baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy this flavorful, moist bread as a snack or served alongside soups and salads! 🍞✨
Frequently Asked Questions about Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Can I Use Fresh Instead of Cooked Squash?
Yes, you can use fresh squash, but you’ll need to cook it first! Simply peel, cube, and steam or roast your squash until tender, then mash it before adding to the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that this may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to experiment! You can add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for more flavor, or mix in other add-ins such as sautéed onions or bell peppers. Cheese lovers might enjoy adding some crumbled feta or a different cheese variety for a unique twist!
