This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty treat that’s simple to make! It’s soft, cheesy, and filled with the goodness of zucchini, so you can enjoy a veggie boost.
Baking this bread is a fun way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying those cheese cravings. I love having a slice warm with butter—it makes my day just a bit brighter!
You only need a few ingredients to whip this bread up. It’s super easy and perfect for beginners. Trust me, once you start, you’ll want to bake it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie is the star of the bread! Grating it makes it blend in perfectly while adding moisture. If zucchini isn’t available, try using yellow squash or even carrot for a different twist.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a great choice, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or pepper jack can add a fun flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, look for vegan cheese options that melt well.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and helps keep the bread moist. If you need a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond yogurt or a similar plant-based alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Cheese Bread is Moist and Delicious?
The key to a moist zucchini cheese bread lies in properly preparing the zucchini. After grating, it’s essential to squeeze out the excess moisture, as too much liquid can make the bread soggy. Use a clean cloth or paper towel for this step.
- Grate the zucchini and place it in the cloth.
- Squeeze gently to remove excess water.
Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; this helps keep the bread fluffy. Lastly, using fresh ingredients and measuring accurately can make a big difference in the final result!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional for flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes total from start to finish. Plus, it cools for a little while after baking, making it easier to cut and serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the bread doesn’t stick after baking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a grater and gently squeeze out the excess moisture using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. This will help prevent the bread from being too soggy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder if you are using it. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the vegetable oil, yogurt (or sour cream), and sugar until smooth and creamy. This will add moisture and flavor to your bread.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread fluffy!
6. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and shredded cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour into Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to make sure it cooks evenly.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Serve:
Once the bread has cooled down, slice it up and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a popular choice, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you love. Just make sure it melts well to get that delicious cheesy texture!
How to 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 the bread and freeze individual pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to add some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even herbs like basil for extra flavor. You could also mix in nuts or seeds for added crunch!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free zucchini cheese bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum or you may need to add a little for structure!
