This moist zucchini cheese bread is a tasty twist on traditional bread. It features fresh zucchini and gooey cheese, making each slice super soft and flavorful!
Who knew veggie bread could be this yummy? I love sneaking in zucchini, and the cheese adds that cheesy hug we all want. Enjoy it warm with butter for a cozy treat! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! Grate it finely and make sure to squeeze out excess moisture. If you’re out of zucchini, you can try shredded carrots or summer squash instead.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. Feel free to swap it for mozzarella, feta, or even a pepper jack for a kick! I love mixing a couple of cheeses for more depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, but if you need a lower-fat option, consider applesauce as a substitute for half of the butter for a moist loaf. Olive oil is another good choice!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both keep the bread moist and add richness. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative.
How Do You Ensure Your Zucchini Cheese Bread Turns Out Moist and Delicious?
To achieve that perfect moist texture, focus on squeezing out as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. This helps avoid a watery batter!
- Use the coarse side of a box grater for zucchini, and gather it in a clean dish towel to twist and wring out the liquid.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the dry ingredients disappear into the wet. This prevents dense bread.
- Keep an eye on your baking time; overbaking can lead to dryness. A toothpick should come out clean but moist.
- Let it cool a bit in the pan! This helps it stay soft while setting the shape.
How to Make Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This moist zucchini cheese bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and will bake for 55-65 minutes. Overall, you should set aside around 1.5 to 2 hours to have the bread ready for a delicious snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using). This will help distribute all the leavening agents evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Extract
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Incorporate the Zucchini and Cheese
Next, fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and chopped herbs (if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them until just no dry flour is visible.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures even baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!).
9. Cool Down
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the zucchini cheese bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a pat of butter. Perfect as a snack or a savory side dish!
This recipe yields a flavorful, moist bread studded with melted cheese and tender zucchini throughout. Enjoy nibbling on this delightful treat anytime!
FAQ about Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but consider starting with 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour and ½ cup of all-purpose flour to maintain a good texture, as whole wheat can make the bread denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in things like chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheese varieties to customize the flavor to your liking. Just keep an eye on the moisture level if you’re adding ingredients like tomatoes.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
If you’re out of zucchini, you can substitute with shredded carrots, yellow squash, or even finely grated apples for a sweet twist. Just remember to remove excess moisture as you would with zucchini!
