This zucchini cheese bread is super easy to make and has a moist, yummy texture that everyone will love. It’s packed with delicious cheese and soft zucchini, making each bite delightful!
Baking this is a breeze! You just mix everything, pour it into a pan, and bake. I usually enjoy it warm with butter on top—because why not? It’s the perfect snack or side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and a mild flavor to the bread. If zucchini is out of season, you can use shredded carrots or even finely chopped cooked spinach as a substitute.
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its strong flavor, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar creates a nice melty texture. Other options include feta or goat cheese for a twist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just remember that gluten-free might change the texture a bit.
Seasonings: The oregano or Italian seasoning adds a delicious flavor. If you prefer something different, try using fresh herbs, like basil or parsley.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini Cheese Bread Is Moist and Not Gummy?
Getting that perfect moist texture without it turning gummy is key! Start by squeezing out excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This prevents the bread from being too wet.
- Grate the zucchini, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze to remove water.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they’re combined; overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- Check the baking time carefully, as overbaking can dry the bread out.
Letting it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a rack also helps maintain moisture. Happy baking!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread with Moist Texture
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy zucchini cheese bread recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 50 to 60 minutes for baking. Including cooling time, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes total before slicing into this delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your bread bake evenly. Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, grate the zucchini and then gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to keep your bread moist without being soggy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs if you decided to use them. This helps to evenly distribute them throughout the bread.
4. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese, coating it lightly with the flour mixture. This will help the cheese to stay suspended in the bread as it bakes.
5. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. Add the oil, milk, and minced garlic (if using) to the eggs, and mix until combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread light and fluffy!
7. Fold in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini. You want it evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If you like, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and texture.
9. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the moisture inside the bread.
11. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature, whether as a snack or a side dish. It’s perfect with a bit of butter or just on its own!
This zucchini cheese bread is moist, tender, and cheesy—sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and then squeeze out the excess moisture using a towel. This helps to avoid any extra water in your bread.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Use Instead of Cheese?
If you want to make the bread dairy-free or simply skip the cheese, you can try adding extra seasonings like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or even finely chopped olives for a different twist!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture may differ slightly, but it should still taste delicious!
