This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread brings together the goodness of fresh zucchini and yummy cheese. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor!
I love making this bread when my garden overflows with zucchini. Plus, it’s fantastic toasted with a bit of butter – so good, you might just hide it from everyone! 😄
It’s super simple to whip up. Just mix everything in a bowl, pour it in a pan, and bake! Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini makes this bread moist and flavorful. If you’re short on zucchini, you can use yellow squash as a substitute, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to for this recipe. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful of adjustments to liquid ratios.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a wonderful taste. Feel free to mix it with mozzarella for a stringy effect. For a twist, use feta or goat cheese instead for a tangy flavor.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture instead.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. You can swap it for melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce if you want a lower-fat option. Just remember this can alter texture slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Bread Isn’t Soggy?
Squeezing out the moisture from the grated zucchini is key to avoiding sogginess. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist the towel to wring out the liquid. Do this several times until you feel it’s mostly dry.
This step helps your bread rise and keeps the texture light and fluffy. Plus, it concentrates all the great zucchini flavor without making your bread heavy!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix like cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 green onions or chives, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful zucchini cheese bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake, plus 10 minutes to cool in the pan. So, you can have delicious homemade bread ready in about about 1.5 hours total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
2. Grating and Squeezing Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it gently to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to keeping your bread from getting soggy!
3. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground black pepper, and the dried oregano or Italian seasoning (if you chose to include it). Mixing these dry ingredients ensures your bread rises evenly!
4. Adding the Cheesy Goodness:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the optional grated Parmesan cheese to your dry mixture. This will give your bread a delicious cheesy flavor!
5. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs and whisk in the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and milk (or buttermilk) until everything is well combined.
6. Mixing Everything Together:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t over mix!
7. The Zucchini Twist:
Fold in the squeezed zucchini, minced garlic (if using), and chopped green onions or chives. This adds flavor and gives the bread a nice texture!
8. Pouring the Batter:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Make the top as smooth as you can to ensure it bakes evenly.
9. Baking Time!
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
10. Cooling Phase:
Once baked, let your zucchini cheese bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This lets air circulate, preventing it from getting too moist.
Enjoy your delicious, moist, cheesy zucchini bread warm or at room temperature! It’s perfect for snacks, breakfast, or as a delightful side with soups and salads. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a soggy texture in your bread.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg-free option, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal egg (mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken) as a replacement for each egg.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat slices in the toaster or microwave!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients such as chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even different types of cheese for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure not to overload it with too much moisture!
