Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful bread filled with fresh zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of herbs. This no-yeast bread is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to soups and salads. With its tender crumb and cheesy goodness, this quick bread is a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini and enjoy a comforting, savory treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: No yeast required—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
  • Great for Any Meal: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish.
  • Moist and Flavorful: The zucchini keeps the bread moist, and the cheddar adds a savory punch.
  • Versatile: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or extra vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  4. Mix in Zucchini and Cheese: Add the shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, green onions, and fresh herbs to the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  7. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes approximately 10-12 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

  • Add More Veggies: Include grated carrots, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers.
  • Use Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Parmesan, or pepper jack.
  • Herb Lover’s Version: Add fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, or basil.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or toast lightly.

FAQs

How do I keep the bread from being too soggy?

Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread might be a bit denser. You can also use a mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour for a balanced texture.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Mozzarella, feta, or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan all taste great in this bread.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this bread?

Yes, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds can add extra crunch and flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I use pre-shredded zucchini from the store?

Yes, but fresh zucchini will give a better texture and flavor. If using pre-shredded, ensure it’s not too wet.

Can I use this recipe to make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

What do I serve with savory zucchini bread?

Serve it with soups, salads, or as a side to scrambled eggs or grilled meats.

Can I add protein to this bread?

Yes, you can mix in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for added protein.

Conclusion

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce in a comforting and flavorful bread. With its cheesy, herby goodness and moist, tender crumb, this quick bread is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a snack, or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a slice of warm, cheesy zucchini bread fresh out of the oven!

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Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 810 slices 1x
  • Category: Bread, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful and moist bread that combines the subtle flavor of zucchini with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. This quick bread requires no yeast, making it an easy and fuss-free option for breakfast, snacks, or as an accompaniment to soups and salads.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk (2% recommended, but whole or non-fat works too)
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare Pan:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Zucchini:

    • Wrap the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. This ensures the bread doesn’t become too dense.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  4. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

    • In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, mix the milk and vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a buttermilk substitute.
    • Add the melted butter and egg to the milk mixture, whisking until fully combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix to avoid a tough bread.
  6. Incorporate Zucchini, Cheese, and Onions:

    • Fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer to Pan:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake:

    • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool:

    • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: This savory bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply toasted with a pat of butter.crockpotgirl.com
  • Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like chopped chives or parsley. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or dried basil to the dry ingredients.

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