This easy zucchini cheese bread is soft, cheesy, and perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh zucchini, it adds moisture and a delicious veggie twist!
Who can resist cheesy goodness? I love to slice it warm and spread a bit of butter on top. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into snacks! 🥒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just remember that different flours may affect the texture slightly!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute with summer squash or even carrots for a sweeter bread. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
Cheese: I recommend cheddar for its rich flavor. However, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick! Experimenting with cheese can change the bread’s personality.
Eggs: They provide moisture and bind everything together. For a vegan option, you can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
Preparing zucchini might seem simple, but it’s essential for the right texture in your bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash your zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends.
- You can use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini. Aim for fine shreds.
- Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial – too much moisture can make the bread soggy!
If you like, you can even set the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle a little salt on it, letting it drain for about 10-15 minutes before squeezing it out. This will enhance the flavor too!
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll have a delightful zucchini cheese bread ready to enjoy in no time!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and approximately 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for the bread to cool before slicing. In total, you can expect around 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your delicious zucchini cheese bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. Add in the vegetable oil or melted butter and mix well until fully combined.
4. Combine the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini into the wet mixture. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to ensure the bread isn’t too soggy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense!
6. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), minced garlic, and optional herbs. Keep it gentle—this will help maintain that lovely, fluffy texture!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling Off:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes slicing easier!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the zucchini cheese bread into pieces. It’s delicious warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, or spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on top for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful zucchini cheese bread!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half or all of the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that it may make the bread denser and give it a nuttier flavor. You might also want to add a little extra moisture if using all whole wheat.
Can I Make This Bread Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. Alternatively, ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce works well as a binding agent without affecting the flavor.
Can I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying!
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Bread?
Feel free to get creative! Add herbs like thyme or rosemary, mix in cooked and crumbled bacon, or incorporate sundried tomatoes. Experimenting with spices and added ingredients is a great way to personalize your bread!
