This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s packed with fresh zucchini and delicious cheese, making it cheesy and moist.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking pieces right out of the oven! I love serving it warm with a pat of butter. Simple and oh so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Use fresh, firm zucchini for the best flavor and moisture. If you don’t have zucchini, you can try grated carrots or even cooked spinach as a substitute. Just remember to squeeze out any extra moisture!
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite because it melts beautifully, but feel free to use mozzarella, feta, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Goat cheese would also lend a unique flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you’re gluten-free, look for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds moisture and richness. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand. Even cottage cheese blended until smooth could work!
How Do You Ensure Your Zucchini Bread is Moist but Not Soggy?
The key to perfect zucchini bread is managing moisture. Start by shredding your zucchini and then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess liquid. This step is really important for achieving the right texture!
- Make sure to pat the zucchini dry to avoid a soggy bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean, not wet.
Taking these steps will help you bake a delicious and moist zucchini bread that everyone will love!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 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 vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Just enough time for a quick kitchen project! Plus, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always good to get the oven ready while you’re mixing the ingredients! Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. This mix is what will give your bread structure and flavor.
3. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels. Squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is really important to avoid soggy bread.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil or melted butter, and sour cream until well combined. This mixture will help to keep the bread moist and delicious!
5. Mix It All Together:
Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in Zucchini and Cheese:
Now, fold in the shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and any herbs you’re using. This is where the magic happens—bringing all those flavors together!
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
8. Bake:
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its moisture, so don’t skip this step!
10. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice your delicious zucchini cheese bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a snack, side dish, or light meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Happy baking! 🍞🥒🧀
FAQs about Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using. Frozen zucchini can be a great time-saver, especially when it’s out of season!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute and will still give you that creamy texture. You can also use plain yogurt or buttermilk if you prefer.
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Nuts or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to adjust the other flavors accordingly!
