Let me just say this upfront: if you’ve never tried zucchini in bread form, you are in for a seriously tasty surprise. This Cheesy Zucchini Bread is everything you want in a savory baked good—moist, golden, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread, but with an extra cozy twist thanks to melty cheese and garden-fresh zucchini. It’s like a warm hug from your oven.
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This recipe has been on repeat in my kitchen lately. It’s one of those magical bakes that feels fancy enough to impress (hello, brunch parties!) but is secretly super simple to throw together. Whether you’re serving it warm with a smear of butter or slicing it up for a next-day snack, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Zucchini Bread
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly
Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy
Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable
Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Here’s the magic of this bread—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into something crave-worthy. Let’s break it down:
Zucchini: Adds moisture and subtle earthy flavor. Grated fresh and squeezed dry, it melts right into the batter, leaving behind delicious texture and tenderness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it gives the bread its cheesy pull-apart richness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses too!
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our loaf—simple and reliable. You can sub in a gluten-free blend if needed.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add fluffiness. They’re the behind-the-scenes MVPs here.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two give the bread its lift and light texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture. You can use melted butter or even avocado oil if you prefer.
Seasonings: Think garlic powder, salt, pepper, and maybe even a little onion powder or thyme if you’re feeling fancy.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives your loaf that golden, crisp edge.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, eggs, olive oil, and shredded cheese. Then add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Mix until just combined. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps the bread release easily once baked and saves you from a sticky situation later.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle more cheese on top—no regrets here.
Cook to Perfection
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point.
Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps set the loaf and makes slicing a breeze.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice while warm or let it cool completely—either way, this cheesy goodness won’t last long. Enjoy it plain or slathered with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.
How to Serve Cheesy Zucchini Bread
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread
Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments
Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone
Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up
Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch
This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute zucchini with another vegetable?
A1: Absolutely! Shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach work well as substitutes, though the flavor and moisture may vary slightly.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Bake the loaf and store it wrapped in foil or an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! You can bake two loaves at once—just make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q7: What kind of cheese works best?
A7: Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even feta for a twist.
Q8: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A8: Yes! Just divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until golden.
Q9: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A9: Make sure to squeeze the excess moisture out of the zucchini before mixing it in.
Q10: Can I add protein to this recipe?
A10: Sure! Add cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage to the batter for an extra savory bite.
And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for Cheesy Zucchini Bread. Whether you serve it at brunch, pack it for lunch, or snack on it straight from the counter (no judgment), it’s bound to become a favorite. So go on, preheat that oven—your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
Print
Cheesy Zucchini Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy zucchini bread is the perfect way to use up extra zucchini! With its simple one-bowl method, no need to drain the zucchini—just toss it right in. Packed with bacon, scallions, cheddar, and feta, it’s the perfect savory bread for any time of the day. Serve it with butter or roasted garlic butter for an extra treat.
Ingredients
For the zucchini bread:
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4 eggs
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1/3 cup olive oil
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1 cup plain flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2.5 cups grated zucchini (about 2 large zucchini or 375g)
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3 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
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3 slices streaky bacon
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1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons chili flakes
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds (optional)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the loaf tin:
Line a loaf tin (8.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″) with greaseproof paper and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C fan). -
Cook the bacon (optional):
For crispy bacon, cook slices over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until crispy, flipping occasionally. Chop into small pieces. Note: You can skip this step and add raw bacon to the mixture if you prefer. -
Mix the bread:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs. Add olive oil, flour, baking powder, fish sauce, grated zucchini, chopped scallions, chili flakes, bacon, cheddar, feta, salt, pepper, and lemon zest (optional). Mix until the flour is fully incorporated. -
Transfer to the loaf tin:
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Sprinkle the top with extra cheese and everything bagel seasoning (optional). -
Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden, and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. If the skewer has residue, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
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Cool and serve:
Let the bread cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter (roasted garlic butter is highly recommended!).
Notes
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Make-Ahead Tip: The bread can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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Variation: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg