This moist zucchini cheese bread is a tasty treat that combines veggies and cheesy goodness! It’s easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day.
Cut yourself a thick slice and enjoy it warm with butter. I can never resist going back for seconds—zucchini never tasted so good! 🥒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, grated zucchini is essential for moisture. You can use yellow squash as a substitute if zucchini isn’t available. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or feta for a different taste. If you’re dairy-free, there are delicious vegan cheese options out there!
Yogurt/Sour Cream: These add moisture and richness. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt. Coconut yogurt works well for dairy-free needs!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware it may alter the texture a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Bread Turns Out Moist?
To keep the zucchini bread moist, properly prepare your zucchini. Grate it, then place it in a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps avoid a soggy texture in the bread.
- Preheat your oven and prepare your loaf pan ahead of time to avoid any holdups.
- Don’t overmix your batter; stir until just combined. This keeps the bread fluffy.
- Check your bread at the lower end of the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
With these tips, your zucchini bread will be moist and delicious every time!
How to Make Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious zucchini cheese bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your warm, cheesy loaf in less than an hour and a half from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease and flour it well, so your bread doesn’t stick when it’s time to remove it.
2. Grating the Zucchini:
Next, take your medium zucchini and grate it using a box grater. After grating, squeeze out excess moisture by placing the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important to prevent a soggy bread!
3. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using). Whisk them together so that everything is evenly mixed.
4. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the vegetable oil, yogurt (or sour cream), milk, and sugar or honey if you chose to include it. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix here! It’s okay if there are still a few lumps.
6. Adding Zucchini and Cheese:
Fold in the grated zucchini, minced garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, but again, don’t overdo it!
7. Baking the Bread:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can slice it and serve it warm or let it cool and enjoy it at room temperature. It’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish to your favorite soup or salad!
Enjoy your Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread and the lovely flavors it brings! 🥒🧀
FAQ for Moist Zucchini Cheese Bread
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and parmesan create a delicious flavor profile, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the quantities according to your taste!
What Can I Substitute for Yogurt or Sour Cream?
If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream on hand, you can use buttermilk or a creamy plant-based yogurt for a great alternative. This will maintain the moisture in your bread!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other grated vegetables like carrots or yellow squash. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to keep the bread from becoming soggy!
