This Easy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a warm, tasty treat filled with cheesy goodness and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Imagine the smell of warm bread coming from the oven! I love enjoying it fresh with butter. It’s a nice way to sneak in some veggies without even noticing! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow summer squash: This is the star of the bread! If you can’t find summer squash, zucchini works well too. Just remember to squeeze out extra moisture to avoid a soggy loaf.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for something different!
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Herbs: Dried herbs add nice flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them for a bolder taste! I usually prefer fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
How Do I Get My Bread to Rise and Stay Moist?
The key to your bread rising and being moist is in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Make sure to measure everything accurately. Not too much flour and not too little liquid!
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
- Don’t forget to squeeze moisture from the squash; too much liquid will make the bread heavy.
- Check for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid drying out the bread. Each oven is a little different.
Letting it cool properly also helps maintain its moisture. Enjoy making your delicious Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread!
Easy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup grated yellow summer squash (about 1 medium squash)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (like thyme, oregano, or basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for freshness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious herb and cheddar squash bread takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for about 10 minutes to cool in the pan. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that happens, greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan will ensure your bread doesn’t stick. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Squash:
Grate the summer squash using a box grater. Once grated, gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, dried mixed herbs, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), milk, and optional honey or sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, carefully add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t worry about a few lumps! Lastly, fold in your prepared grated squash and any fresh herbs you’re using. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s always a good idea to check around the 50-minute mark!
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps to keep it moist. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your savory, moist Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread warm or at room temperature!
Happy baking! 🥖✨
FAQ for Easy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Summer Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture just like you would with summer squash, as it can also hold more water.
How Can I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before slicing.
Can I Make This Bread Without Eggs?
Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This works well to keep the bread moist.
What Can I Pair This Bread With?
This savory bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side for a main dish. You can also enjoy it on its own or spread with butter, cream cheese, or herb-infused spreads for an extra flavor boost!
