Delicious Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe to Try Today

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of homemade Zucchini Cheese Bread fresh from the oven. This best Zucchini Cheese Bread recipe combines the garden-fresh taste of zucchini with savory cheese and aromatic herbs for a deliciously moist quick bread that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you’re looking for an easy Zucchini Cheese Bread to use up your summer garden bounty or a classic Zucchini Cheese Bread to serve alongside soup, this homemade version delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Unlike sweet zucchini breads, this savory version offers a wonderful alternative that works beautifully as a side dish, snack, or even breakfast option.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Cheese Bread

• Perfect texture combination – crispy exterior with a moist, tender interior
• Ready in just 60 minutes from start to finish!
• Great for meal prep – stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully
• Versatile recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch or alongside soups and salads
• Best way to make Zucchini Cheese Bread at home with ingredients you likely have on hand
• Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread for beginners with simple, straightforward instructions
• Customizable with your favorite cheese varieties and herbs
• Kid-friendly way to incorporate vegetables into meals
• No special equipment needed – just basic baking tools
• Impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for everyday baking

Ingredients for Zucchini Cheese Bread

For the Bread Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g) (use cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 3/4 cup milk mixed with 2 teaspoons lemon juice)
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1-2 medium zucchini), excess moisture squeezed out
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination works best)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, or 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

How to Make Zucchini Cheese Bread – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible – this is crucial for the bread’s texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs until light and frothy. Add the oil and buttermilk, whisking until well combined. The oil adds moisture while the buttermilk tenderizes the bread’s crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough bread, so use gentle folding motions with a spatula until no dry flour remains visible.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini and Cheese

Add the squeezed zucchini, diced onion, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the batter. Fold gently to incorporate everything evenly throughout the mixture. If using any optional add-ins like bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). The top should be golden brown and the cheese nicely melted and slightly crispy.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely (about 20-30 minutes). This makes slicing easier and prevents the bread from becoming soggy from trapped steam.

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Pro Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Cheese Bread

Zucchini Preparation Secrets

• Squeeze out excess moisture: The secret to perfect Zucchini Cheese Bread texture is removing as much water as possible from the grated zucchini. Place it in a clean kitchen towel and really give it a good squeeze. This prevents soggy bread.
• Don’t peel the zucchini: The skin contains nutrients and adds beautiful flecks of green throughout the bread.
• Use the large holes on your grater: This creates the ideal texture – not too wet and not too chunky.

Cheese Selection Tips

• Try cheese combinations: For the richest flavor, use a mixture like sharp cheddar with mozzarella or Gruyère with Parmesan.
• Freshly grated is best: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting properties and flavor.
• Reserve some cheese for the top: This creates an irresistible cheesy crust that everyone will love.

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean style: Add 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup crumbled feta instead of cheddar.
• Spicy version: Include 1-2 finely diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
• Herb Garden: Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh basil, parsley, and chives for a flavor boost.
• Italian twist: Mix in 1/4 cup diced pepperoni and use mozzarella and Parmesan for the cheese.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

• Can I make Zucchini Cheese Bread ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake it up to 2 days in advance and store wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated.
• For best results: Let the bread cool completely before wrapping to prevent trapped moisture from making it soggy.

Best Ways to Serve Zucchini Cheese Bread

The best way to serve Zucchini Cheese Bread is warm, either fresh from the oven or lightly toasted. Here are some serving suggestions that elevate this versatile bread:

Perfect Pairings

• Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal
• Add to a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
• Include on a charcuterie board with olives and cured meats
• Offer as an alternative to dinner rolls with pasta dishes or salads

Topping Ideas

• Spread with softened butter while still warm for a simple, delicious treat
• Top with a dollop of pesto or a slice of fresh tomato
• Use as a base for avocado toast with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping

For Special Occasions

• Cut into small cubes and toast for homemade croutons
• Slice thinly and toast for crostini appetizers
• Use as the base for a sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich
• Serve alongside a selection of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegar

Nutritional Information for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Per slice (1/12 of loaf):

• Calories: 225 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 48mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

This Zucchini Cheese Bread offers good nutritional value with protein from cheese and eggs, and vitamins and minerals from zucchini. For a lower-carb version of Zucchini Cheese Bread, you can replace up to 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.

For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour for half the amount of all-purpose flour, which adds more fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the cheese by 1/4 cup to lower the fat content without significantly affecting taste or texture.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage

• Store completely cooled bread by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
• Place in a zip-top bag for extra protection from air
• How long does Zucchini Cheese Bread last in the fridge? When properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days

Freezer Instructions

• For optimal freshness, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag
• Label with the date and name
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1-2 hours

Best Reheating Methods

• Oven: Wrap in aluminum foil and heat at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes
• Toaster: For individual slices, toast on a medium setting for a crispy exterior
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds (best for a soft texture)
• Air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 320°F (160°C) for a wonderfully crisp exterior

FAQs for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Can I freeze Zucchini Cheese Bread?

Yes, Zucchini Cheese Bread freezes exceptionally well. For best results, cool it completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. You can also reheat frozen slices in the toaster for a quick breakfast option.

Why is my Zucchini Cheese Bread soggy in the middle?

Soggy bread is usually caused by excess moisture from the zucchini or underbaking. Be sure to squeeze as much water as possible from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as some ovens run cool. If the bread is browning too quickly on top but remains undercooked in the center, cover with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in Zucchini Cheese Bread?

No buttermilk? No problem! Make a quick substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk also works well as a 1:1 substitute. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk with the same vinegar/lemon juice method.

Can I make this Zucchini Cheese Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Measure for Measure are reliable options that work well in quick bread recipes. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Make sure all your other ingredients, including baking powder and spices, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you know how to make the best Zucchini Cheese Bread at home, you can enjoy this versatile savory bread whenever the craving strikes! It’s the perfect way to use up abundant summer zucchini or add a nutritious touch to any meal. The combination of moist vegetable-studded bread and flavorful cheese creates a delightful texture and taste experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Have you tried making this recipe? Did you experiment with different cheese combinations or add your own twist? I’d love to hear about your Zucchini Cheese Bread adventures in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share photos of your creation on social media – tag us so we can celebrate your baking success.

Looking for more ways to use fresh zucchini? Check out our recipes for Classic Zucchini Muffins or Grilled Zucchini with Herbs for more delicious inspiration. Happy baking!

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