This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is the perfect way to use up those extra zucchinis while enjoying a cheesy treat! It’s soft, moist, and packed with flavor.
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake! Plus, the cheese adds a yummy touch that makes it hard to resist seconds. Who can say no to cheese? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Grating zucchini adds moisture, making the bread soft. If you have yellow squash on hand, it works just as well.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for great flavor. If you prefer something milder, mozzarella can work, or you can mix cheeses like gouda or feta for a unique twist!
Sour cream/Yogurt: I use sour cream for richness, but Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative that keeps the bread moist. You can also omit it for a lighter version if necessary.
Herbs & Onions: I love adding green onions for a fresh taste, but other herbs like chives, parsley, or basil can brighten the flavor even more! Feel free to mix it up!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for This Bread?
Getting the moisture out of zucchini is crucial for perfect bread. Follow these steps:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Put the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to squeeze out excess liquid. Aim to remove as much water as possible.
- Now your zucchini is ready to add to the batter, keeping the bread from getting soggy.
This simple step will help ensure your bread has the right texture!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for moisture)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or fresh herbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking. After baking, allow about 10 minutes to cool in the pan and then let it cool completely on a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Now, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and either grease it lightly with oil or line it with parchment paper. This helps the bread come out smoothly once it’s baked.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is key to making sure your bread isn’t too soggy!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a different bowl, beat the eggs, then add in the olive oil and sour cream (or yogurt). Mix them well until everything is combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy!
6. Add the Goodies:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, and any green onions or fresh herbs you want to include. Gently mix until everything is well incorporated.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top so it’s even.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if the bread is ready.
9. Cool Before Slicing:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step helps to keep the texture just right!
Enjoy your moist and cheesy zucchini bread! It’s perfect for snacks, breakfast, or as a tasty side to your favorite meal. Yum!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the batter. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.
What Can I Substitute for EGGS?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. This helps keep the bread moist!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in a freezer bag, where they’ll last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in extras like diced bell peppers, cooked bacon, or even different cheeses to customize the flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture from added ingredients, which can affect the bread’s texture!
