A Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is the perfect addition to any meal. This delightful bread combines fresh zucchini and sharp cheddar for a flavor that is both comforting and delicious. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish with soups and salads, this quick bread is easy to make in just one bowl. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a tasty treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires only one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of zucchini and cheddar creates a savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm as toast, alongside soups, or as part of a salad.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with zucchini, this bread adds nutrients to your meal.
- Quick Baking Time: In just 75 minutes, you can have fresh bread ready to enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9 x 5 inch bread pan
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Bread pan: Ensures even baking and proper shape for your quick bread.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
- Grater: Helps create fine zucchini shreds that blend seamlessly into the batter.
Ingredients
A savory quick, one bowl, bread that’s full of fresh zucchini and cheddar! Make this to go with soups, salads or toast it up for a delicious breakfast!
For the Bread
- 1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated
- 2 cups all purpose white flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (I used 2% but whole or non-fat would be fine)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar, white or apple cider
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
- 2 green onions, chopped
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray your 9 x 5 inch bread pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Wrap the grated zucchini in a paper towel. Squeeze it gently until some liquid releases. You don’t need to dry it completely; just aim for about a tablespoon of liquid loss.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
* All-purpose flour
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt
Mix well so all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Make Buttermilk Mixture
In a smaller bowl, mix together milk and vinegar. Let it sit for a minute; this will curdle slightly—your homemade buttermilk! Then mix in melted butter and egg until combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to over mix as this could lead to dense bread.
Step 6: Add Zucchini and Cheese
Add the grated zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into the mixture. Fold them in lightly until just combined.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Check if done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a versatile dish that pairs well with various meals. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted, there are many delightful ways to serve this bread.
With Soups
- Creamy Tomato Soup – The rich flavors of tomato soup complement the cheesy bread perfectly.
- Minestrone – A hearty minestrone adds a wholesome touch to your meal when served with this quick bread.
As a Snack
- With Hummus – Dip slices into hummus for a healthy and satisfying snack.
- Cheese Platter – Serve alongside a selection of cheeses and fruits for an elegant appetizer.
For Breakfast
- Toasted with Butter – Toast slices and spread with butter for a simple yet delicious breakfast option.
- With Avocado – Top with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt for added flavor and nutrition.
How to Perfect Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Making the perfect Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out great every time.
- Use Fresh Zucchini – Fresh zucchini enhances flavor and moisture. Choose firm, vibrant zucchinis for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix – Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir gently until ingredients are just combined.
- Check Oven Temperature – Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and texture.
- Cool Before Slicing – Allow the bread to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and prevents crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garden Salad – A fresh garden salad with mixed greens adds brightness and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies provide a complementary earthy flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers – Serve alongside stuffed peppers for a filling meal that’s packed with nutrition.
- Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken makes for a hearty pairing that balances the flavors of the bread.
- Chili – A bowl of chili offers warmth and spice that contrasts nicely with the savory bread.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges add texture and are perfect for dipping in sauces or spreads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the Zucchini Squeeze: Not removing some liquid from the grated zucchini can lead to a soggy bread. Always squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in dense bread. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature will affect how your bread rises. Always preheat your oven properly to 350 degrees for best results.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale baking powder or old cheese can impact flavor and texture. Ensure that your ingredients are fresh for maximum taste.
- Failing to Cool Properly: Removing the bread from the pan too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure the bread has cooled completely before sealing it in the container.
Freezing Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and warm the slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 15-30 seconds, checking until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm slices on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese in Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?
You can definitely experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Just ensure they melt well and complement the zucchini flavor.
How do I know when my Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! If not, bake for an additional few minutes.
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor. Feel free to customize according to your preferences.
What are some good pairings for Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?
This quick bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or even as part of a breakfast spread with eggs and avocado.
Final Thoughts
Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is not only delicious but also versatile! Whether you serve it alongside your favorite soup or toast it up for breakfast, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with herbs or different cheeses based on what you have at home. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!
Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delectable and versatile treat that brings together the richness of sharp cheddar cheese and the freshness of grated zucchini. This delightful bread can be enjoyed at any meal, whether it’s served warm with butter for breakfast, as a side dish to soups and salads, or even as a satisfying snack. With its easy one-bowl preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. The quick baking time ensures that you can have this flavorful bread ready in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy days when you want to add a nutritious twist to your dining experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 x 5 inch bread pan with non-stick spray.
- Wrap grated zucchini in paper towels and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk and vinegar to create buttermilk; let sit for one minute before adding melted butter and egg.
- Combine the wet ingredients with dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Fold in the zucchini, cheddar cheese, and green onions until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for ten minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (63g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for unique variations.
