This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty treat that’s perfect for beginners! Made with fresh zucchini and melted cheese, it’s super moist and bursting with flavor.
Honestly, I could eat this bread all day! It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even lunch. Just slather on some butter, and you’re in for a real treat. 🥖💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture in this bread. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or even mashed bananas can work in a pinch, though flavors will change a bit.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to swap it for mozzarella or feta if you prefer something milder or creamier. Mixing different cheeses can also be fun!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can replace half with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Gluten-free flour blends are also a good option if needed.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and garlic powder are optional, but they add a lovely flavor. You can also use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or thyme for variety.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Zucchini?
Grating zucchini is simple but has a few tricks to keep in mind. You want to remove excess moisture for the best bread texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. No need to peel it.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini into fine shreds.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Twist the towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.
- Measure the drained zucchini for your recipe.
Doing this helps your bread rise nicely without being too soggy! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini cheese bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for cooling before slicing, so that you get nice, clean cuts of bread. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan so that the bread doesn’t stick when it’s done baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and sugar. This will help all the dry ingredients mix nicely and will make your bread rise evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a different bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and fluffy. Then, stir in the vegetable oil. This combination adds richness to your bread.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything together gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bread might get tough!
5. Add the Zucchini and Cheese:
Time to add some flavor! Fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley if you’re using it. Make sure everything is mixed well.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making it look nice and even.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. (The smell is going to be amazing!)
9. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice your zucchini cheese bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic snack or side dish for meals. Feel free to add a little butter on top for an extra treat!
Enjoy your homemade zucchini cheese bread! Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Yes! While zucchini is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with grated carrots or even mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they’re properly drained of excess moisture!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cheese substitutes for both the cheddar and Parmesan. Additionally, swap out the butter for a plant-based oil like coconut or olive oil for the wet ingredients.
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Cheese Bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups and salads! You can also enjoy it as a snack by spreading some butter, cream cheese, or even avocado on top. It’s versatile for any meal or snack time!
