Golden Rustic Zucchini Cheddar Bread Recipe: Fresh From The Oven

Warm ovens and freshly baked bread create magic in kitchens, where zucchini cheddar bread emerges as a comforting culinary treasure.

Summer gardens overflow with crisp zucchini, begging to be transformed into something deliciously unexpected.

Melted cheese adds a rich, savory note that turns this bread into more than just a simple side dish.

Sharp cheddar mingles with tender zucchini, creating layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

Herbs and spices weave through the dense, moist crumb, promising a sensory experience that goes beyond ordinary bread.

Each slice tells a story of rustic simplicity and bold taste.

This recipe delivers a hearty companion perfect for weekend brunches or afternoon snacks that will surely become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Ingredients That Work

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that gives structure and volume to the bread, selecting unbleached flour ensures better texture and flavor.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture, ensuring the bread rises evenly without dense pockets.
• Baking Soda: Helps activate other leavening agents, providing additional lift and softness to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the bread's taste.

• Milk: Provides moisture and richness, whole milk works best for a creamy texture.
• Vinegar: Creates a tangy buttermilk-like environment, helping activate baking soda for better rising.
• Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, using unsalted butter allows better control of salt content.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, creating structure and adding protein to the bread.

• Zucchini: Brings moisture and subtle earthiness, freshly grated ensures maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy notes and creamy texture, sharp varieties provide more intense flavor.
• Green Onions: Adds bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal, using both white and green parts maximizes taste.

Tools to Bake Savory Zucchini Bread Just Right

• Loaf Pan: 9×5-inch baking pan for baking the bread.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels: For squeezing excess moisture from zucchini.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and smooth batter in the pan.
• Grater: For shredding zucchini and cheese.
• Wire Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Checks bread doneness by testing center.

How to Make Quick Bread with Cheddar and Veg

• Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven warming to 350 degrees. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

• Squeeze the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini and then squeeze out all the extra water using a kitchen towel. This trick keeps your bread from turning into a soggy mess.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Dump flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a big bowl. Whisk them together until they’re best friends.

• Create Liquid Magic

In another bowl, combine milk and vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it looks slightly chunky. Toss in melted butter and an egg, then whisk until smooth.

• Marry the Mixtures

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ones. Stir gently – think lazy circles – just until everything is combined. No hardcore mixing allowed!

• Add Flavor Boosters

Fold in your zucchini, cheese, and green onions. Make sure they’re spread out evenly throughout the batter.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool and Slice

Let the bread hang out in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a cooling rack. Wait until it’s completely cool before slicing into this cheesy, veggie-packed delight.

Tips for Texture and Savory Flavor That Stands Out

• Remove extra moisture from grated zucchini by squeezing it thoroughly, preventing soggy bread and ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Replace cheddar with different cheeses like gouda, monterey jack, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain bread's structure and achieve a similar tender crumb.
• Enhance bread's flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to complement the zucchini and cheese, creating a more complex taste experience.
• Replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg, use plant-based milk, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe completely plant-based and allergen-friendly.

Serving Zucchini Cheddar Bread with Soup or Eggs

• Breakfast Companion: Slice this zucchini bread and pair it with scrambled eggs or a veggie omelet for a hearty morning meal that fills you up with delicious flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve thin slices alongside a fresh green salad or as an elegant accompaniment to a light soup for a satisfying midday snack.
• Cocktail Hour Appetizer: Cut into small cubes and arrange on a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and pickled vegetables for a rustic party appetizer that impresses guests.
• Sandwich Base Hack: Use thick slices as a unique bread substitute for sandwiches, topped with turkey, crisp lettuce, and a smear of herbed cream cheese for extra excitement.

Best Way to Store Zucchini Bread Fresh

• Store your zucchini cheddar quick bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
• Slice the bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between each slice. Wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and store in a sturdy freezer bag for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• For short-term storage, leave the bread covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ensure it's in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quickly refresh slightly stale slices by warming them in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds. A light toasting can restore the bread's original crispy edges and warm, comforting taste.

Rustic Zucchini Cheddar Bread

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread delivers a delightful blend of garden-fresh vegetables and sharp cheese. Rustic comfort meets gourmet flavor in this simple yet sophisticated bread that promises to elevate your culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
• 1 cup milk (2% recommended, but whole or non-fat works too)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsps melted butter
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Zucchini Treatment: Thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy bread texture.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
4. Liquid Mixture Creation: Combine milk and vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute, then integrate melted butter and egg, whisking until smooth.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently merge wet and dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb. Carefully fold in zucchini, cheddar cheese, and green onions until evenly distributed.
6. Pan Filling: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, leveling the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
7. Baking Process: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
8. Cooling Technique: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Squeeze out excess liquid from zucchini using a clean towel to prevent soggy bread and maintain perfect texture.
• Stir ingredients gently until just combined to keep the bread tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands.
• Toss shredded cheese with a little flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the bread.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal bread temperature reaches 200-205F for perfectly baked consistency without drying out.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg