Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

The Cheesiest Zucchini Bread Recipe: A Scrumptious Twist

Crispy, golden zucchini cheese bread promises a mouthwatering adventure for hungry souls seeking comfort.

Summer gardens overflow with vibrant green vegetables waiting to become something magical.

Cheese melts into soft, pillowy dough while zucchini adds unexpected moisture and nutrition.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this simple yet remarkable recipe that anyone can master.

Fragrant herbs and sharp cheddar create a delightful symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Modest ingredients blend into an irresistible treat perfect for casual gatherings or quiet afternoons.

Warm slices invite you to savor each delectable bite, making every moment feel special.

Why Zucchini Cheese Bread Is The Perfect Savory Bite

  • Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Surprisingly simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet-style bread without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Sneak in Nutrition: Cleverly incorporates fresh zucchini, providing hidden vegetables that boost nutritional value while delivering incredible taste for picky eaters.
  • Versatile Comfort Companion: Perfect for multiple scenarios like weekend brunches, picnic lunches, afternoon snacks, or as a delightful side dish that complements various meals.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing personal touches through optional herb additions or cheese variations, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Zucchini Cheese Bread Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that provides moisture and subtle green flavor to the bread.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in the bread.
  • Flour: Primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the bread's texture.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and contributes to the bread's smooth and tender crumb.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide sharp and tangy flavor profiles that enhance the bread's savory character.
Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the bread with subtle seasoning.
  • Dried Herbs: Optional ingredient that adds extra aromatic complexity to the bread.

How To Make Zucchini Cheese Bread Moist And Cheesy

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini

Grab your zucchini and get ready to transform it. Grate the vegetable using a box grater or food processor. Take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out every drop of moisture from the grated zucchini. Press firmly to ensure the zucchini is as dry as possible.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 375°F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely. This will help prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they become smooth and slightly frothy. Pour in the olive oil and blend until you have a beautiful, uniform liquid mixture that looks creamy and inviting.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the following ingredients directly into the egg mixture:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Fold everything gently, creating a consistent batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want the batter to be just combined.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold in the grated zucchini and your cheese selection:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Enhance with Herbs

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some dried herbs. Give the batter a quick stir to integrate these extra flavor boosters.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface that will bake beautifully.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes to settle. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Slice and Savor

Cut into the bread and enjoy the incredible blend of zucchini and melted cheese. Best served at room temperature, this bread is a delightful treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Bake Zucchini Cheese Bread Just Right

  • Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Squeeze out every drop of moisture from grated zucchini to prevent soggy bread and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Control Cheese Moisture: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to maintain better bread consistency and prevent excess liquid.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the bread light and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the bread's flavor profile and add personal flair.
  • Test Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick method and check bread at 40 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Flavor Ideas For Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Spicy Southwest Zucchini Bread: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Zucchini Loaf: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, oregano, and replace parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, creating a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Bacon and Cheddar Zucchini Bread: Mix in crispy crumbled bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese for a hearty, protein-packed variation.
  • Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bread: Roast garlic cloves and fold into the batter, using aged parmesan and adding a sprinkle of garlic powder for intense flavor.

Best Pairings For Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Pair with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp, light green salad with mixed baby lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the bread's rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the bread's richness and enhances its herbal undertones, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a delicate herb-infused olive oil alongside bread slices, allowing guests to enhance the zucchini bread's savory profile with additional aromatic notes.

How To Store Zucchini Cheese Bread Without Drying Out

  • Wrap the cooled zucchini cheese bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its delightful texture.
  • Slice the bread completely, then place individual portions between parchment paper sheets. Pack inside a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Store the bread in a sealed container or bread box at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent quick staleness and maintain its soft, cheesy consistency.

Zucchini Cheese Bread FAQs

  • What makes zucchini important in this bread recipe?

Zucchini adds moisture, nutrition, and subtle vegetable flavor to the bread while keeping it tender and soft without making it soggy when properly drained.

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

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and parmesan with similar hard or semi-hard cheeses like gruyere, monterey jack, or asiago to create unique flavor variations.

  • Is this bread considered a healthy option?

The bread offers nutritional benefits from zucchini, which provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and contains less fat compared to traditional cheese breads due to moderate cheese and olive oil usage.

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Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savor the irresistible warmth of homemade zucchini cheese bread, where garden-fresh zucchini meets melted cheese in a golden, aromatic loaf. Rich flavors and comforting textures invite you to enjoy a slice of pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Base:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated
  • 1/2 cup shredded zucchini

Cheese Components:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Baking Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare zucchini by thoroughly grating and extracting excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeezing firmly to remove water content.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
  3. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and slightly frothy, then incorporate olive oil, creating a uniform liquid mixture.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the egg mixture, folding gently to create a consistent batter without overmixing.
  5. Fold grated zucchini and both cheddar and parmesan cheeses into the batter, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
  6. Add dried herbs if desired, stirring briefly to integrate additional flavor profile.
  7. Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the savory blend of zucchini and melted cheese.

Notes

  • Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent a soggy, wet bread that could compromise the texture and structural integrity of the loaf.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and melting potential, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
  • Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the savory profile and create a more complex taste experience.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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