This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a cozy treat! With its warm spices, cheesy goodness, and soft texture, it’s perfect for snacking or as a side with soup.
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with the best smells—it’s like a warm hug! I love slathering it with butter or dipping it in my favorite soup for a tasty mix. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This adds moisture and flavor to the bread. If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a great alternative; they are quite similar in taste and texture!
All-Purpose Flour: While this is standard, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour mix if you’re avoiding gluten. Just mix in a bit more liquid as gluten-free flour can be drier.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice punch, but feel free to experiment with aged white cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Cheese alternatives can also work if you’re dairy-free.
Herbs: Dried mixed herbs add flavor depth. If you have fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on hand, use them! Fresh herbs can give a brighter flavor, just roughly chop and add a bit more than the dried amount.
How Do You Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can toughen your bread, making it dense. To avoid this, follow these steps:
- After combining your flour mixture and cheese, create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the wet mixture in one go. This helps incorporate everything more gently.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold the mixture carefully. Stop mixing when you see a few dry flour spots—this is okay!
This gentle process keeps your bread fluffy and open, giving you that nice tender crumb.
How to Make Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup shredded yellow squash (about 1 medium squash)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan before serving. So, you can enjoy your scrumptious Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a moment to grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, take your whisk and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, dried herbs, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed. This helps ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a fluffy texture in your bread.
3. Add Cheese and Squash:
Next, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the shredded yellow squash into the flour mixture. Make sure they are well coated in the flour—this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then add the vegetable oil, milk, and honey (if you’re using it), whisking everything together until well combined. This mixture will give moisture and flavor to your bread!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay to leave a few small lumps. This will help keep your bread light and fluffy.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and use the spatula to smooth the top. This helps the bread bake evenly and gives it a nice shape.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. It’s ready when you insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover the top with foil.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the right texture! Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with butter, soup, or salad.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread!
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! If you can’t find yellow squash, zucchini is a great substitute and has a similar texture and taste. Just make sure to shred it and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor or a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just remember to add a bit of extra liquid since gluten-free flours can be drier.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stir it gently before baking to rehydrate the ingredients, and keep in mind that it may take a few extra minutes to bake if it’s cold.
