This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty treat packed with cheesy goodness and a hint of zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go!
Baking this bread is as simple as mixing the ingredients and popping it in the oven! I love to enjoy it warm with a little butter on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is perfect for the texture of the bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour.
Shredded Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy loaf. If you don’t have zucchini, you can use grated carrots or yellow squash as a substitute.
Shredded Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but mozzarella or a three-cheese blend works great too. Feel free to mix your favorite cheeses for a fun twist!
Yogurt or Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps the bread moist. If you need a dairy-free option, try using almond yogurt or a similar product.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bread Texture?
The key to a lovely texture is not overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Preheat your oven properly as even heat ensures better rising.
- When folding in zucchini and cheese, do it gently to avoid breaking down the batter.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Finally, let your bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini cheese bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 50 to 60 minutes to bake. After baking, give it some time to cool, and in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can slice and enjoy it warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step as a properly heated oven ensures even baking. 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 all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and if you’d like, the optional oregano and garlic powder. Whisking well incorporates air and helps with the bread rising.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the oil and yogurt (or sour cream) until everything is well combined. This mixture adds moisture and allows the bread to stay tender.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Now, gently stir the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; you don’t want to overmix.
5. Add the Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold in the shredded zucchini, cheese, and any green onions or chives you’d like to add. Gently mixing here ensures your zucchini and cheese are evenly distributed without breaking apart the batter.
6. Prepare to Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or only slightly moist, your bread is ready!
8. Cool and Serve:
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 step prevents it from getting soggy on the bottom.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the zucchini cheese bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a snack or a delightful side for your meals. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add grated carrots, chopped spinach, or even diced bell peppers for an extra veggie boost. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture!
What Can I Serve with Zucchini Cheese Bread?
This bread pairs well with a simple salad, soup, or even as a side to grilled meats. It’s also great on its own as a snack or for breakfast with a pat of butter!
