This Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread is a tasty and cozy treat! It combines fresh zucchini with gooey cheese for a delightful flavor in every bite.
Making this bread is a breeze, and it’s perfect for using up extra zucchini. I love having it warm with butter—it makes my kitchen smell amazing! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have any, shredded carrots or squash can work too! Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture.
Cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella, gouda, or any melty cheese can be used. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal, but if you want a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be a great substitute. You may need a tiny bit more liquid.
Eggs: You could replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.
How Do You Make Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread?
Getting that perfect, moist bread is key! Squeezing out the moisture from the grated zucchini helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy, but you still want some moisture to keep it tender.
- Grate the zucchini and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze until most liquid is removed.
- Mix the wet ingredients well before combining them with the dry ingredients—this helps everything come together nicely.
- Don’t overmix when combining! Stir just until you see no more dry flour—it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy.
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk (optional for moisture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix them together. Then, it takes around 50-60 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prep the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini. To remove excess moisture, place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it well. Set aside; this step helps keep your bread from getting soggy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk (if using), and minced garlic. Mix these together well until they’re combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. It’s okay if it looks a little lumpy—overmixing can make the bread tough!
6. Add the Zucchini and Cheese:
Carefully fold in the grated zucchini, along with the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. If you’re using herbs, add those in too!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into the warm zucchini cheese bread and serve! It’s delicious on its own or with a pat of butter. Enjoy as a snack or alongside your meals!
This zucchini cheese bread is moist, cheesy, and a breeze to make — perfect for beginners and a wonderful way to enjoy fresh zucchini!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep it fresher for longer, you can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking to make this recipe egg-free, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg for a nice, moist texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can get creative by adding ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even chopped nuts for texture. Just be mindful not to overload it so the bread maintains its structure.
