Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Quick Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe: A Savory Homemade Delight

Summer gardens overflow with zucchini, and this cheesy zucchini cheese bread recipe turns those abundant vegetables into an irresistible treat.

Packed with sharp cheddar and soft, grated zucchini, each slice delivers a burst of savory flavor.

The bread comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep work.

Shredded zucchini melts into the batter, creating a moist and tender crumb that keeps you coming back for more.

Herbs like fresh thyme or basil can add an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the loaf.

Serve warm alongside soups, salads, or enjoy as a standalone snack that celebrates fresh seasonal produce.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next baking adventure.

Zucchini Cheese Bread Savory Flavors

  • Boost Vegetable Intake: Sneak zucchini into a delicious bread, making it an awesome way to enjoy more vegetables without feeling like you're eating something healthy.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this bread with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a hassle-free recipe.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy as a satisfying breakfast, afternoon snack, or side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or stands deliciously on its own with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Cheese and zucchini create a mouthwatering blend that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a classic bread into an irresistible treat everyone will love.

Ingredients for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Wet Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and subtle flavor to the bread.
  • Onions: Provide a gentle savory note and depth of taste.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a rich and tangy texture in the bread.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Cheese: Introduces a creamy and savory element to the bread.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Forms the primary base and structure of the bread.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the loaf pan and prevent sticking.

How to Make Zucchini Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini And Companions

Grate fresh zucchini and finely chop onions.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Grated zucchini
  • Chopped onions
  • Whole eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter
  • Shredded cheese

Stir everything together until well blended and creamy.

Step 2: Create Dry Flour Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Kosher salt

Blend thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 3: Marry Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the zucchini wet mixture.

Stir gently but consistently until ingredients are completely incorporated.

The batter should look smooth and uniform.

Step 4: Ready The Baking Vessel

Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Pour the mixed batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 50-70 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

When the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Remove bread from oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious zucchini cheese bread!

Pro Tips for Zucchini Cheese Bread Success

  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Select high-quality sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor and richness in your bread.
  • Let eggs, butter, and sour cream sit at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly combined batter.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender and prevent tough texture.
  • Start testing the bread around 50 minutes with a toothpick to prevent overcooking, as oven temperatures can vary.

Fun Variations for Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the bread's rich texture.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap eggs and dairy with flax eggs, plant-based sour cream, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly zucchini bread.
  • Herb-Infused Zucchini Bread: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to the batter for an aromatic, savory profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Bread: Use coconut flour and add extra zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and low-carb diet followers.

Serving Suggestions for Cheese Bread

  • Hearty Breakfast Companion: Slice this savory bread and pair with scrambled eggs or a fresh vegetable omelet for a satisfying morning meal.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Serve alongside hummus, olives, and roasted red peppers for a delightful appetizer or light lunch spread.
  • Soup's Best Friend: Cut into cubes and use as a rustic dipping bread with creamy tomato soup or hearty vegetable chowder for added texture and flavor.
  • Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack slices wrapped in parchment paper for an outdoor lunch, complementing cold salads and charcuterie boards with its cheesy, zucchini-packed goodness.

Storage for Zucchini Cheese Bread Slices

  • – Refrigerate Store leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • – Freeze Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months for longer preservation.
  • – Counter Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
  • – Revive Warm slightly in the microwave or oven for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the cheese's melty goodness when serving leftovers.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese in this zucchini bread?

Yes, you can easily swap cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

  • How do I prevent my zucchini bread from becoming too wet?

Squeeze excess moisture out of grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before adding to the batter to ensure a perfect texture.

  • Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This zucchini cheese bread is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and fresh zucchini.

  • Can I freeze this zucchini cheese bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade zucchini cheese bread delivers a savory symphony of garden-fresh ingredients and melted dairy delight. Comfort meets culinary creativity in this simple yet irresistible quick bread that draws hungry friends to kitchen gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups zucchini, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 large eggs

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup green onion, sliced

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Shred zucchini and gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together grated zucchini, finely chopped onions, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and shredded cheese until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Separately, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  6. Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even distribution.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F and position rack in the center for consistent heating.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating pan halfway through to ensure uniform browning.
  9. Test doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and let bread rest in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. Allow bread to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini to prevent soggy bread and ensure a perfectly textured loaf.
  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the zucchini.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid measurements slightly to maintain moisture.
  • Add herbs like fresh dill or chives to enhance the savory notes and create a more complex taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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