This yummy zucchini cheddar herb beer bread is super easy to whip up! Loaded with fresh zucchini, sharp cheddar, and fragrant herbs, it’s a tasty treat for any meal.
Trust me, the smell of baking this bread is enough to make your neighbors curious! I love having a warm slice with butter right out of the oven—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute.
Beer: Choose a lager or ale for a mild flavor. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can use non-alcoholic beer or even sparkling water for a similar texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives nice flavor. Feel free to use medium cheddar or a mozzarella blend if you prefer a milder taste. Vegan cheese options are also available.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or squash can be a good alternative—they’ll bring sweetness too!
How Do You Prepare Zucchini for Baking?
Preparing zucchini correctly is key to keeping your beer bread from becoming soggy. The important step is to squeeze out excess moisture. Here’s how you can do that:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist the towel to wring out as much liquid as possible.
Doing this will ensure your bread has the right texture—moist but not wet!
What’s the Best Way to Combine the Batter?
Mixing the batter correctly is essential for a light and fluffy beer bread. Here’s how:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. This helps control gluten formation.
- Don’t worry about lumps; it’s okay if the batter isn’t entirely smooth. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious bread every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or mixed Italian herbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 12-ounce bottle of beer (lager or ale, room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake, making it perfect whenever you’re short on time but still want to enjoy fresh-baked bread. So, in just about an hour, you can have this delightful beer bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—this will prevent your bread from sticking once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, dried basil (or your chosen herbs), garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for even flavor throughout the bread!
3. Add Cheese and Zucchini:
Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the grated zucchini. Remember to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the mix. If you’re using fresh parsley, feel free to add that in as well.
4. Combine with Beer:
Now it’s time to pour in the beer! Gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t worry if there are some lumps—overmixing can lead to tough bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
5. Pour Batter into the Loaf Pan:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so it bakes uniformly.
6. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Optional Butter Brushing:
If you’d like, brush the warm bread with melted butter right after taking it out of the oven for an extra rich flavor. Yum!
8. Cooling Time:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can also serve it warm if you’re eager to dive in!
Enjoy this delicious zucchini cheddar herb beer bread as a perfect side with soups, salads, or simply buttered by itself. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it may result in a denser bread. You might want to substitute 1/2 of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to maintain a lighter texture.
What Type of Beer Should I Use?
Any light lager or mild ale works best for this recipe. If you prefer a stronger flavor, a pale ale can give a nice kick. If you’re avoiding alcohol, non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water can be used as a substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bread with ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or spices that you enjoy. Just be mindful of the moisture content when adding wet ingredients to maintain the right texture.
