Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and vegetable-packed loaf, look no further than this Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. The magic of this recipe lies in how ridiculously easy it is to throw together, yielding a moist, tender bread that brims with the flavors of sharp cheddar, fresh zucchini, and a hint of green onion. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or toast it up for breakfast the next day, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever you crave something equal parts wholesome and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component brings something special—from depth of flavor to that irresistible fluffy texture—so don’t skip a thing!

• Zucchini (1 1/2 cups, grated): Adds incredible moisture and a faint earthiness, ensuring every slice is tender without being dense.
• All purpose white flour (2 cups): The backbone of the loaf, giving structure while staying light.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The key to a beautiful rise and soft crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the vinegar to give your bread extra lift and a delicate texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and enhances the savory notes.
• Milk (1 cup, 2% or your choice): Creates a rich, tender batter; whole, low-fat, or skim each work in their own way.
• Vinegar (1 tablespoon, white or apple cider): Turns your milk into instant buttermilk for a gentler crumb and tang.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together for perfect slicing texture.
• Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and flavor to every bite.
• Sharp cheddar (1 1/2 cups, grated): The star ingredient for robust cheesy flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
• Green onions (2, chopped): Lend a fresh pop of color and subtle bite that wakes up the loaf.

How to Make Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Setting yourself up with a properly prepared pan guarantees your bread comes out effortlessly (with those beautiful crusty edges intact) when it’s finished baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini, then bundle it up in a paper towel and give it a gentle squeeze—just enough to remove a tablespoon or so of liquid. You want the zucchini to lend moisture without making the loaf soggy, so don’t wring it dry; a bit of juice is all part of the magic.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, promoting a uniform rise and balanced flavor throughout the Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the vinegar into the milk and let it sit for a minute. You’ll see it thicken and curdle—congratulations, you’ve just made homemade buttermilk! Whisk in the melted butter and egg until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold them together just until a lumpy batter forms—remember, over-mixing will make for a denser loaf, and we want our Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread to stay light and tender.

Step 6: Add Zucchini, Cheddar, and Onions

Sprinkle in the gently squeezed zucchini, grated cheddar, and chopped green onions. Stir lightly and only until everything is evenly distributed. This final mix is quick and gentle—just a few turns of the spoon to keep that soft crumb intact.

Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake

Scrape your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with your spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This brief wait both finishes the cooking process and prevents a soggy bottom—hard as it is to resist, your patience here will be rewarded.

How to Serve Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes

The crowning touch for your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a simple garnish: add a sprinkling of extra grated cheddar or finely chopped chives on top just before baking for a stunning golden, cheesy finish. After baking, a dab of salted butter or a smattering of fresh herbs takes every slice up a notch.

Side Dishes

This bread is a perfect partner for everything from summery salads to hearty soups and stews. Pair it alongside a bowl of tomato basil soup, a crisp garden salad, or a plate of scrambled eggs for a satisfying, any-time meal. It’s just as lovely as a side for your next brunch spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread into thick slabs for a rustic, homey serving, or cut it into cubes for a party-worthy appetizer platter. Try grilling slices and topping with creamy goat cheese and roasted red peppers, or use it as the base for a savory sandwich—trust me, it’s a showstopper all on its own or as part of something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. If you want an extra day of freshness, pop it in the refrigerator; just let slices come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to make your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread ahead or ensure none goes to waste, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It will stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, reheat slices in your toaster or a 300-degree oven for about five minutes. You’ll revive the crispy edges and gooey cheesy bits that make this loaf so irresistible. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash can be swapped in for zucchini with equally tasty results. Just grate and prepare it the same way, and enjoy a slightly different color and mild flavor.

What type of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar delivers the boldest, most robust cheesy notes in this quick bread. Feel free to experiment with extra-sharp, white, or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just be sure to grate it yourself for the best melt and taste.

Can I make this as muffins?

You bet! Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread batter works beautifully for muffins—just scoop into greased muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I know if my bread is done?

The surest way to tell is by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. The top should be a deep golden brown, and it should pull ever so slightly away from the edges of the pan.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still enjoy a loaf with great texture and flavor. Be sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about whipping up a loaf of Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread and sharing it with the people you care about most. Every slice bursts with savory goodness and just the right amount of indulgence—so don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your new go-to. Bake it once and you’ll see how quickly it disappears!

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