This easy zucchini cheese bread is super moist and full of cheesy goodness! It’s a fantastic way to use up extra zucchini while enjoying a tasty snack any time of the day.
I can’t get enough of this bread, especially fresh out of the oven! Pair it with a nice soup or enjoy it on its own. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for second helpings! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and a slight sweetness. If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute it with grated carrots. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture, just like you would with zucchini.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for texture. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is flavorful and melts nicely, but feel free to try mozzarella, gouda, or even feta for a different taste. Mixing different cheeses can add a fun twist.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both make the bread moist. If you’re looking for lower fat, try using applesauce or mashed bananas, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Oil or Butter: Vegetable oil is neutral, but melted butter adds a rich flavor. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, coconut oil or applesauce can work too.
How to Prepare Zucchini for Bread Without Making it Watery?
Excess moisture from zucchini can make your bread soggy, so it’s key to remove it properly. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a colander.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture.
- Use a clean towel or paper towels to gently squeeze out the remaining liquid. Don’t skip this step!
Taking these steps makes your zucchini cheese bread perfectly moist but not soggy. Happy baking!
Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread with Moist Texture
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for moistness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful zucchini cheese bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’ll be enjoying it in about 1.5 hours. It’s quick enough to make for a tasty snack or side dish when you need it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bread later.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchinis using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle a little salt over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to gently squeeze out any remaining liquid.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder (if using). This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a fluffy bread.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Mix these together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix, as this keeps the bread soft and tender.
6. Add Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold the grated zucchini and shredded cheese into the batter gently, making sure everything is evenly distributed without overmixing.
7. Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top just before slicing. Enjoy this moist, cheesy zucchini bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with soups or as a tasty snack!
Happy baking! Enjoy every slice! 😄
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 any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy.
How Can I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for later use. To reheat, simply toast in an oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can substitute with mozzarella, gouda, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile. Mixing two or more types of cheese can also be a fun twist!
How do I Make This Bread Healthier?
To make this bread a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the oil by half. You can also replace sour cream with plain applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining moisture.
