This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty treat that’s both soft and cheesy! It’s packed with fresh zucchini and lots of gooey cheese, making it irresistible.
Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one slice—even for breakfast! I love to serve it warm and smother it with a little butter. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and texture to the bread. If you don’t have zucchini, try using grated carrots or even chopped spinach for a different twist. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
Cheese: I love using a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for a rich flavor. You could also swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder taste or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a lactose-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just remember it might change the texture a bit—make it slightly denser.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: These add moisture and tang. If you don’t have either, try using applesauce or mashed bananas for a fun flavor addition.
How Do You Make Zucchini Cheese Bread Moist and Delicious?
The key to keeping your zucchini bread moist lies in how you prepare the zucchini. Always squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. This prevents the batter from being too watery.
- Use fresh zucchini; older zucchinis might be too watery.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to a tough texture.
- If you want a little extra depth of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs!
Following these tips will help you achieve a soft and flavorful zucchini cheese bread every time!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 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 dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 50 to 60 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then lightly flour it. This will help your bread come out easily after baking!
2. Prep the Zucchini:
Next, grate your zucchinis. Once done, take the grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze the towel to remove any excess moisture. This is really important to ensure your bread isn’t too watery.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using). This combination will be the backbone of your bread.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until they are well distributed in the dry mix.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and yogurt (or sour cream). If you’re using garlic and fresh herbs, you can add them in at this stage. Mix everything until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—overmixing can make the bread tough. Finally, fold in the grated zucchini until equally mixed into the batter.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this delicious cheesy zucchini bread warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread! It’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess moisture. Squeeze it with a kitchen towel to ensure it’s not too watery, as this can affect the bread’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you love or have on hand. Feta or mozzarella can add interesting flavors. Just remember, different cheeses may alter the bread’s taste and texture slightly.
How Can I Make This Bread Healthier?
You can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, consider using less oil by substituting with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt, which will still keep it moist without compromising flavor!
