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