This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is wonderfully moist and cheesy! It’s perfect for using up that extra zucchini from your garden or the store. Plus, who can say no to cheese?
Making this bread is a breeze—just mix, pour, and bake! I love enjoying a slice warm with a bit of butter. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main ingredient providing structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you could use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve also found that whole wheat flour adds a nice nuttiness.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is key for the moisture in the bread. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with grated carrots or even pureed pumpkin, though this will change the flavor a bit.
Cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a strong flavor, but you can swap in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Crumbled feta or goat cheese also works well for a different twist.
Milk: Buttermilk adds richness, but regular milk works just fine. If dairy is an issue, try almond milk or oat milk as a non-dairy alternative.
How Can You Make the Bread Extra Moist?
The key to keeping this Zucchini Cheese Bread moist lies in the zucchini itself. Make sure to grate it finely and do not squeeze out the moisture too much. It adds a lot to the texture! Here’s how to prep it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. There’s no need to peel it.
- If it seems too watery after grating, you can squeeze out some excess moisture, but don’t go overboard!
Additionally, mixing the wet ingredients with the dry only until combined is crucial. Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Embrace a lumpy batter for the best texture!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread with Moist Texture
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 ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, no need to peel)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, balances the savory)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zucchini Cheese Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can savor your warm, cheesy bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle a little flour inside to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano (if you’re using it). Whisk the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs and then add in 1/4 cup of olive oil (or vegetable oil), 1/4 cup of milk (or buttermilk), and 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar (if you’re using it for a touch of sweetness). Mix the wet ingredients well until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will make the bread dense!
5. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold in 1 cup of grated zucchini and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing everything together until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour into the Loaf Pan:
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly. It’s a thick batter, so don’t worry if it looks a little bumpy!
7. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready to come out!
8. Cooling Time:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent condensation from making the bottom soggy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After the bread has cooled, slice it into nice thick pieces and serve it plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. This Zucchini Cheese Bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a side dish at dinner!
This bread stays moist and flavorful thanks to the zucchini and cheese, and it’s delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, keep in mind that the bread may have a denser texture. You might also want to add a little more liquid, such as milk or water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Is There a Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a mashed banana, or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will keep the bread moist and flavorful while making it suitable for vegan diets!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to add in herbs like fresh basil or thyme for an extra flavor boost. You can also toss in other cheeses like mozzarella or feta, or even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or cooked bacon for a savory twist!
