Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread Recipe

Category: Breakfast Ideas

This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a warm, tasty treat packed with flavors! The combination of herbs and gooey cheddar makes every bite special. Plus, the squash adds a lovely sweetness.

I love making this bread when friends come over—it fills the kitchen with a cozy smell! Serve it warm with butter, and watch everyone come back for more. It’s a winner! 🧡

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this bread. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It will still work great with the same measurements!

Cheddar Cheese: This recipe shines with sharp cheddar, but feel free to swap for any cheese you like—Monterey Jack or Gruyère would add a unique twist too!

Squash: Butternut or acorn squash are perfect here, but pumpkin puree or sweet potato would make a tasty substitute. Just ensure they’re cooked and mashed for smoothness!

Eggs: If you’re vegan or egg-free, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). They work well to bind the ingredients!

How Do I Make Sure My Bread Doesn’t Become Dense?

A common struggle is ending up with dense bread. To avoid this, gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Overmixing activates gluten, making it tough. Also, be sure to measure your flour accurately; spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to prevent adding too much.

  • Preheat the oven properly to ensure even baking.
  • Fold in the cheese and squash lightly; it helps maintain a light texture.
  • Check the bread with a toothpick around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread Recipe

Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
  • Add-Ins:
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup cooked and mashed squash (butternut or acorn squash is great)
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This bread recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 50-60 minutes for baking. After that, allow another 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan helps the bread come out nicely without sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and mixed dried herbs. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and ready for the next steps.

3. Add the Cheese:

Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s mixed well with the dry ingredients.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the mashed squash, olive oil (or melted butter), milk, and honey (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy; overmixing can make the bread dense.

6. Bake the Bread:

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

7. Cool and Slice:

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread maintain its texture.

8. Enjoy:

Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own or with a little butter spread on top. Enjoy this delicious treat!

Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread Recipe

FAQ for Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread

Can I Use Frozen Squash Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! If you have frozen squash, just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mashing. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.

What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?

If you’re looking to mix it up, feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend for added flavor. Just be mindful of the saltiness, as some cheeses can be saltier than others.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container. It should last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I Freeze This Bread?

Yes! This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

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