This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a warm, cheesy delight packed with fresh zucchini. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, and it fills your home with a lovely baking aroma!
I love how this bread sneaks in veggies, making it a little healthier. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up. You’ll want to keep a slice (or two) nearby for those snack attacks! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and a mild taste. If zucchini isn’t available, you could use shredded carrots or even cooked spinach for a different twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can use mozzarella or a mix of cheeses if you like a creamier texture!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients. For a vegan option, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Isn’t Soggy?
Removing excess moisture from the zucchini is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean dish towel or paper towels.
- Twist the towel or crumple the paper towels to squeeze out the moisture.
- Be sure to do this a couple of times to get the zucchini nice and dry before adding it to your batter.
This simple step helps achieve that perfect bread texture without sogginess!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 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 oregano (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before serving. In total, you should plan on spending around 1 hour and 25 minutes until you can enjoy this delicious zucchini cheese bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ready your 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using). This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the vegetable oil and milk. Make sure these are well combined, as this mixture will add moisture and richness to the bread.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay!
5. Fold in the Goodness:
Now for the good stuff! Fold in the shredded zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (if using), and chopped parsley or chives (if using). Mix gently to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
6. Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Pour this wonderful mixture into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
8. Cool Before Slicing:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
After it has cooled, slice your zucchini cheese bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It pairs delightfully with soups, salads, or just as a snack on its own. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
FAQ About Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be denser, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of milk to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other grated vegetables like carrots or even spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture as you did with the zucchini.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this zucchini cheese bread dairy-free, substitute the cheddar and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can also use almond milk or any other plant-based milk for the recipe.
