Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe for Beginners

Moist and savory zucchini cheese bread captures the essence of summer’s garden bounty.

Fresh green strands peek through golden-brown surfaces, promising delightful texture.

Cheese melts into every delectable crumb, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Rustic and unpretentious, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels.

Pantry staples dance together, forming a quick and satisfying companion to soups or salads.

Warm slices invite you to experience comfort in each hearty bite.

Slice, share, and savor this delicious creation that celebrates simple ingredients with extraordinary results.

What’s Special About Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Zucchini Cheese Bread offers a simple, stress-free cooking experience perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Preparing this bread takes less than 30 minutes of active cooking time, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking delicious homemade comfort food.
  • This recipe works brilliantly as a side dish, appetizer, or standalone snack, appealing to both kids and adults with its cheesy, savory flavor profile.
  • Sneaking zucchini into a cheesy bread provides a clever way to incorporate vegetables into meals, ensuring picky eaters get extra nutrients without realizing it.

What You’ll Need for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Dry Ingredients Group:
  • Flour: Structural base for the bread, all-purpose works best.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for bread's rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory background note.
Wet Ingredients Group:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to bread.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and smooth texture.
Vegetable and Cheese Ingredients Group:
  • Zucchini: Provides moisture, subtle vegetable flavor, and nutrition.
  • Cheese: Adds creamy texture and sharp flavor, sharp cheddar recommended.
  • Chives: Fresh herb that brings light onion-like brightness and color.

How to Bake Zucchini Cheese Bread Right

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Goodness

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until slightly frothy. Gently incorporate:
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Combine and Fold Ingredients

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in:
  • Shredded zucchini
  • Grated cheese
  • Chopped chives

The batter should look rustic and slightly bumpy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Moist, Cheesy Zucchini Loaves

  • Grate Zucchini Strategically: Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and maintain perfect texture.
  • Prevent Cheese Sinking: Toss shredded cheese in a little flour before adding to the batter to help distribute evenly and prevent sinking to the bottom of the bread.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test but also look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center to ensure the bread is perfectly baked without being dry.
  • Store Smartly: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Saving and Reheating Zucchini Bread Without Drying

  • Store leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds until slightly heated through.
  • Remove from freezer, let thaw at room temperature for 1 hour, then warm in the oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes to restore texture and flavor.

What Goes with Savory Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the bread's richness and complement its cheesy, herbal notes.
  • Create a light mixed green salad with parsley, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the bread's dense, savory profile.
  • Prepare a light zucchini or tomato-based soup that echoes the bread's vegetable component and provides a warm, comforting companion.
  • Add slices of prosciutto, aged cheddar, and grainy mustard to create a rustic, flavor-packed appetizer spread that highlights the bread's cheesy texture.

Fun Add-Ins for Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Veggie Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives. Add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Bread: Use coconut flour or almond flour instead of regular flour. Replace high-carb ingredients with low-carb options like cream cheese and extra herbs.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, olive oil in place of butter, and dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for cheese lovers with lactose intolerance.

Got Bread Questions? Start Here

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this bread?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Just ensure you use the same quantity of cheese specified in the original recipe.

  • Is it necessary to squeeze out moisture from zucchini?

Absolutely! Grate the zucchini and use a clean kitchen towel to press out excess water. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and ensures a perfect texture.

  • How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

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Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Zucchini cheese bread emerges as a delightful fusion of garden-fresh vegetables and rich, melted cheese. Hearty slices promise comfort with each savory bite, inviting you to savor this irresistible homemade treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.
  2. Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Construct the liquid mixture by thoroughly beating eggs, then integrating sour cream and melted butter until achieving a uniform consistency.
  4. Harmonize the ingredients by gently folding the liquid components into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal manipulation to prevent tough texture.
  5. Enhance the batter’s character by carefully incorporating shredded zucchini, grated cheese, and finely chopped chives, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring an even surface and smooth distribution.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
  8. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating initial cooling and structural stabilization.
  9. Carefully extract the loaf from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely, enabling full flavor development and optimal slicing.
  10. Slice the cooled bread and serve, revealing the delightful integration of zucchini, cheese, and herbs.

Notes

  • Grate zucchini on the large holes of a box grater to ensure even moisture distribution and prevent soggy bread.
  • Squeeze excess moisture from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to maintain the bread’s perfect texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream for smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda to customize the bread’s flavor profile and make it more exciting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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