This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness! The fresh herbs and sweet squash make it super tasty and fun to eat.
Every slice is like a warm hug! I love spreading butter on it or using it for sandwiches. Honestly, it’s hard to resist munching on it right out of the oven! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grated Squash: Zucchini works beautifully, but you can also use yellow squash or even butternut squash for a sweet twist. If you’re short on squash, try carrots as an alternative, just grate them finely and squeeze out moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If gluten-free is needed, a gluten-free flour blend would be a nice swap.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. About ¾ cup of your favorite cheese would also work if you want to cut back a bit.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both add moisture. Greek yogurt is a tasty and healthier alternative, but buttermilk can also be a nice choice for a lighter texture. If you’re dairy-free, try a non-dairy yogurt.
How Can I Make Sure My Bread Doesn’t Become Dense?
To ensure your bread turns out light and fluffy, follow these tips:
- When grating squash, squeeze out the excess moisture. Too much liquid affects the bread’s texture.
- Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread because it develops gluten. A few lumps are perfectly okay!
- Check the doneness at about 50 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s better to take it out just in time. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Remember, patience is key. Let it cool completely before slicing to help maintain its structure. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup grated squash (such as zucchini or yellow squash), excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or a mixed Italian herb blend)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), optional for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll want to allow another 10 minutes for cooling before slicing, so plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or simply line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread release easily once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Once mixed, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This helps to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the bread.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Then add the vegetable oil and sour cream (or yogurt) and mix them well until combined. This mixture adds moisture and creaminess to your bread!
4. Combine Squash and Herbs:
Gently fold in the grated squash and any fresh herbs you’re using into the wet ingredients. This is where all the flavor and texture come together.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s totally okay if the batter is a bit lumpy!
6. Transfer to Pan:
Now, transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula, ensuring it looks nice and ready for the oven.
7. Baking Time:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps keep it fluffy!
Enjoy this flavorful Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a savory snack, side for soups, or for delicious sandwiches!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While zucchini and yellow squash are popular choices, you can also use butternut squash for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to grate it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy access later!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free for best results.
What Can I Serve This Bread With?
This herb and cheddar squash bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or even as a base for savory sandwiches. You can also enjoy it as a standalone snack, perhaps with some butter or your favorite spread!
