Zucchini Cheese Bread

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If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up your zucchini this season, this savory Zucchini Cheese Bread is a perfect choice. Unlike traditional sweet zucchini bread, this recipe is packed with sharp cheddar cheese and enhanced by the mild, herbaceous flavor of green onions. It’s an easy-to-make, quick bread that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a side dish to accompany soups and stews.

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Here’s how to make it!

Why You’ll Love Zucchini Cheese Bread

Zucchini Cheese Bread is the perfect way to enjoy seasonal zucchini in a savory way. The bread has a tender crumb, thanks to the moisture from the zucchini, and a cheesy richness that makes it irresistible. Plus, the recipe can be customized with your favorite herbs and cheeses. Serve it warm with a generous slather of butter for a comforting treat that’s impossible to resist!

Ingredients for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 ½ cups zucchini, shredded (do not squeeze)
• ¼ cup green onion, sliced (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions: How to Make Zucchini Cheese Bread

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set it aside.
2. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, green onions (if using), eggs, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Mix in the cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the zucchini mixture and fold it in gently. The cheese will melt into the bread as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix the dry into the wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
6. Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before running a knife around the edges and removing the loaf. Slice it up and serve warm with melted butter.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Cheese Bread

• Do not squeeze the zucchini: The moisture from the zucchini is essential for the texture of the bread, so there’s no need to squeeze or drain it. If your batter seems too thick to pour, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to loosen it up.
• Customize the flavors: Add herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for extra flavor. You can also swap out the green onions for other herbs or leave them out entirely.
• Extra cheesy topping: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar on top of the batter before baking.
• Bread texture: If your zucchini is larger and contains more moisture, consider reducing the amount of sour cream or butter slightly to balance the liquid content.

Variations and Customization Options

• Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs to complement the savory flavors in this bread. Dill, thyme, parsley, or even rosemary would work well. You can also add dried herbs for a more intense flavor.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is the star of this recipe, feel free to try other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or a sharp white cheddar. Gruyère, in particular, adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with zucchini.
• Add Some Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the batter.
• Parmesan Upgrade: Add 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) to the batter for even more cheese flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Zucchini Cheese Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Warm with Butter: Serve slices of the bread warm with a generous spread of butter for a simple yet indulgent snack.
• As a Side Dish: This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, especially tomato-based ones, and stews. It’s also a great companion to roasted meats or hearty salads.
• For Breakfast: Toast a slice of zucchini cheese bread for breakfast, adding some scrambled eggs or avocado on top for a complete meal.
• Sandwich Bread: This bread makes a great base for sandwiches, particularly if you’re making grilled cheese or a vegetable sandwich.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Zucchini Cheese Bread keeps well for several days, making it ideal for meal prep or saving leftovers.

• Storing at Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep the bread for more than a few days, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm up slices before serving.
• Freezing: Zucchini Cheese Bread freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.

Final Thoughts

This savory Zucchini Cheese Bread is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh zucchini, especially if you’re looking for something other than the typical sweet quick breads. The combination of tender zucchini, sharp cheddar, and green onions creates a flavorful, cheesy bread that’s perfect for any meal of the day.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to have on hand for snacking, it’s sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!