This moist zucchini cheese bread is a perfect blend of fresh veggies and cheesy goodness. It’s soft, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack.
I love how the zucchini keeps the bread nice and moist! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in—who knew you could hide them so well?! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is the star here, giving moisture and texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use grated carrots or even applesauce for a different flavor.
Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for creaminess. You could also try feta or pepper jack for a twist. Just keep in mind the melt factor!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends can also work well. I’d start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but if you don’t have it, dried herbs will do—just cut the quantity in half. You can also use any favorite herb like basil or thyme.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Is Moist?
To keep your zucchini cheese bread moist, the first step is to squeeze out some of the excess water from the grated zucchini. This helps prevent a soggy bread. Also, don’t over-mix the batter! Just stir until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze it dry before adding it to the batter.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined—it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
- Monitor your baking time; every oven is different, so check for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesy flavor)
For Extra Flavor:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 50-60 minutes to bake. So, in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious loaf of Zucchini Cheese Bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze later on.
2. Get the Zucchini Ready:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture. This helps keep your bread from getting soggy!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and oregano. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the vegetable oil or melted butter until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
6. Fold in Additional Goodness:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic. You want everything to be mixed without overly compromising the texture!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check with a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, it’s done!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Enjoy!
Your moist zucchini cheese bread is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own or paired with soups and salads. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter for the best texture. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
How Can I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What if I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a little extra of your chosen shredded cheese. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Ingredients Like Nuts or Herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as basil or thyme, to give it a unique flavor twist!
