This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is wonderful! It’s moist, cheesy, and packed with healthy zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack anytime!
Baking this bread is as simple as mixing the ingredients and popping it in the oven. I love slathering mine with butter—it’s pure comfort in a slice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: You’ll want to use about 1 medium zucchini. If zucchini is out of season, you can swap it for yellow squash. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture for the best texture!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser.
Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. Feel free to use any cheese you enjoy, like mozzarella or feta, for a different taste. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: These add moisture. If you’re dairy-free, use non-dairy yogurt or applesauce for a similar effect. I’ve even used mashed banana—just be mindful of the flavor change!
How Do I Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Without Overmixing?
One key to soft bread is not overmixing. This is especially important after adding the wet ingredients to the dry ones. To do this:
- Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry using a spatula. This helps keep the bread light.
- Mix until you can’t see any dry flour but don’t keep stirring.
- When adding the grated zucchini, fold it in lightly too; it helps keep moisture without ruining the bread’s fluffiness.
These small steps can ensure your zucchini cheese bread stays moist and fluffy instead of dense! Enjoy your baking!
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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 50 to 60 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious zucchini cheese bread in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini and then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step helps keep the bread from becoming soggy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if you’re using them. This ensures everything is evenly distributed!
4. Incorporate the Cheese:
Gently stir in the shredded cheese into the flour mixture. This is a great way to coat the cheese and prevent it from sinking to the bottom of your bread while baking.
5. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), yogurt (or sour cream), and minced garlic, if you’re using it. Mix until everything is combined.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—that’s okay!
7. Add the Zucchini:
Fold in the grated zucchini and the chopped fresh herbs, if using them. Be gentle while mixing to keep the bread fluffy!
8. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready!
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its texture!
11. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your zucchini cheese bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a bit of butter!
This loaf is moist, cheesy, and incredibly easy for beginner bakers. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the recipe. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute plain yogurt or sour cream with buttermilk or even unsweetened applesauce. If using applesauce, be aware that it will add a hint of sweetness to the bread.
How Should 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 refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize My Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the total moisture to keep the bread from getting too dense.
