This moist zucchini cheese bread is packed with cheesy goodness and a hint of spice! It’s the perfect treat to brighten up your day and make your kitchen smell amazing.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to sneak in some veggies with their snack? I love to enjoy a warm slice with butter—it makes everything better, doesn’t it? 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it has a xanthan gum or similar binder.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or cooked spinach can also work, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great for flavor. You can use any cheese you like or have on hand, such as pepper jack for a kick, or mozzarella for a milder taste. Consider vegan cheese for a dairy-free option!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. If you want a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. You can also skip it and still have delicious bread.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Cheese Bread to Be Super Moist?
The secret to moist zucchini bread is in how you handle the zucchini. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Grate your zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to remove as much water as possible.
- If using mayonnaise, consider it in your overall moisture—if you skip it, ensure there’s enough moisture from other ingredients.
This will help keep the bread from getting soggy and give you that perfect moisture level!
Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for extra moisture)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess water)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful zucchini cheese bread will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Just a little bit of waiting time while your kitchen fills with delicious aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground black pepper, oregano, and any optional dried spices like basil or garlic powder. Mix well to incorporate everything evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a whisk or fork to beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add the Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold in the grated zucchini (remember to squeeze out the excess moisture!), along with the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and green onions if you’re using them. Mix gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top.
7. Bake!
Pop the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
This zucchini cheese bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist zucchini cheese bread! 🍞💚
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables for Zucchini?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have zucchini, consider using grated carrots or cooked spinach. They will alter the flavor slightly but will still keep the bread moist and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat slices in the microwave or toast them for a warm treat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready! Alternatively, you can bake it ahead and simply reheat it before serving.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the batter. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference—start with a small amount and add more if desired!
