This easy zucchini cheddar herb beer bread is soft, tasty, and fun to make! It has a wonderful mix of cheesy goodness, garden-fresh zucchini, and yummy herbs—all baked into a lovely loaf.
What I love most is how simple it is. You just stir everything together and let the magic happen. Plus, it’s perfect fresh out of the oven with a little butter. Who can resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. Just note that this may change the texture a bit, making it denser.
Beer: I like using a lager for a milder flavor, but feel free to experiment with different beers like an IPA for a stronger taste. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic beer.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is fantastic here! If you’re short on zucchini, shredded carrots could work in a pinch for a slightly different taste and color. Just be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can!
Herbs: I love using thyme and rosemary, but feel free to mix it up! Fresh herbs can also be used, just adjust the amount to your taste since they’re usually more potent than dried ones.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Comes Out Moist and Flavorful?
One key to achieving moist beer bread is handling the batter gently. The beer adds both flavor and moisture, so avoid overmixing after adding it.
- Mix just until everything is combined; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
- Squeezing excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial! Too much moisture can make the bread soggy.
- Brushing the top with melted butter adds richness and helps create a beautiful, soft crust.
With these tips, you’ll end up with a tasty loaf every time! Enjoy making this delicious zucchini cheddar herb beer bread—it’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.
Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (lager or ale works well)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50 to 60 minutes of baking time, plus a little cooling time. You’ll have a delicious loaf of beer bread ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and dried herbs until everything is nicely blended. This will ensure your bread rises well and has great flavor!
3. Add Cheese and Zucchini:
Next, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded zucchini. This is where your bread gets its cheesy, herbaceous goodness. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for that tasty bite in every slice!
4. Combine with Beer:
Now, pour the beer into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it soft and fluffy!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your thick batter to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
6. Bake It Up:
Your bread needs some time in the oven! Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Add Extra Yum:
If you want, brush the top of the hot bread with melted butter—this adds a lovely flavor and gives a soft crust. It’s optional, but who can resist butter?
8. Cool and Slice:
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, or slice and serve while it’s warm. Enjoy this delicious zucchini cheddar herb beer bread with butter, soups, or salads!
Happy baking! 🍞
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Fresh Zucchini with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini adds a lovely moisture and mild flavor, you can substitute it with shredded carrots or yellow squash. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the batter!
What Type of Beer Works Best for This Recipe?
A lager or light ale works best, as it gives a mild flavor that complements the cheese and herbs. If you prefer something with a stronger taste, like an IPA, that can work too! Just know it might change the flavor profile slightly.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover 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 it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, you can! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a vegan butter or skip brushing it altogether. As for the beer, just ensure it’s vegan-friendly by checking the label, as some beers are filtered using animal products.
