Why Make This Recipe
Cheddar Zucchini Bread is a delicious and fun way to enjoy vegetables in your baking. It’s moist, cheesy, and has a wonderful flavor thanks to the zucchini and fresh herbs. This bread makes a great snack, side dish, or light meal option. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any extra zucchini you might have!
How to Make Cheddar Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Directions:
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Coarsely shred the zucchini.
- Wrap the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze well to remove excess liquid, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Stir in the melted butter.
- Mix the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the shredded zucchini, Cheddar cheese, green onions, and chives until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 55 to 60 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
How to Serve Cheddar Zucchini Bread
You can enjoy Cheddar Zucchini Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or can be eaten as a tasty snack. You can also spread some butter or your favorite spread on a warm slice for extra flavor.
How to Store Cheddar Zucchini Bread
To store Cheddar Zucchini Bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week.
Tips to Make Cheddar Zucchini Bread
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to avoid a soggy bread.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to personalize the flavor.
- If you want a sweeter bread, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to the batter.
Variation
You can change this recipe by adding spices like garlic powder or using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile. You could also include nuts or seeds for added crunch!
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow squash can be used in this recipe in place of zucchini.
Can I freeze Cheddar Zucchini Bread?
Absolutely! Once the bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
While buttermilk adds a nice flavor and moisture, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick alternative.
