This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty way to enjoy veggies! It’s soft, cheesy, and packed with the goodness of zucchini. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
You won’t believe how quick it is to whip up! Just mix everything together and pop it in the oven. I love having it warm with butter—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show! Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best flavor. You can also substitute with yellow squash if you have that on hand—they’re quite similar!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a lovely flavor. If you want to mix it up, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives. For a stronger flavor, try sharp cheddar or even feta for a different twist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but you can swap in whole wheat flour if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just keep in mind, it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
Vegetable oil: I usually use vegetable oil for moisture, but melted butter adds a rich flavor! If you need a lighter choice, try applesauce or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
How Can I Squeeze Out Excess Moisture from Zucchini?
Squeezing out the moisture from zucchini is important to keep the bread from getting soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
- Twist the towel or press the paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. You want the zucchini to be dry but not completely dry out the flavor.
This step makes a big difference in the texture of your bread! Trust me! 😊
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 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 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 50-60 minutes for baking, making it a total time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for those looking for a quick and easy recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps the bread come out easily after baking!
2. Grate & Drain the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels, and squeeze out as much moisture as you can; this keeps your bread from getting soggy!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and optional oregano. This combines all your dry ingredients evenly.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Add in the vegetable oil, milk, and honey (if you’re using it). Mix everything well until combined.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Zucchini & Cheese:
Carefully fold in your drained zucchini and shredded cheese into the mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed, but don’t overdo it.
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer on top.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean!
9. Cool & Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice it up!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Zucchini Cheese Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can add a pat of butter for extra yumminess. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just note that it may make the bread denser. You can also consider using a mix of both for better texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your zucchini bread by adding ingredients like chopped walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different cheese varieties. Just keep in mind that this might affect the cooking time slightly.
Should I Remove the Skin from Zucchini Before Grating?
No need to peel the zucchini! The skin adds color and nutrients to the bread—just make sure to wash it thoroughly before grating. If you’re using larger zucchinis, cut out any large seeds you find, but smaller ones can be grated and used whole.
