Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

The Ultimate Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe for Comfort Baking

Zucchini cheese bread reimagines ordinary ingredients into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds and surprises hungry families.

Modest vegetables merge with creamy dairy to create something magical and unexpected.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when this delectable treat emerges from the oven, filling spaces with irresistible aromas.

Robust flavor profiles blend seamlessly, offering a perfect balance between savory cheese and garden-fresh zucchini.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful experience that transcends traditional bread expectations.

Nutritious elements combine with indulgent comfort, making this recipe a smart choice for health-conscious food lovers.

Each slice represents a harmonious symphony of ingredients that speaks to both comfort and creativity.

Ingredients You Need for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Main Ingredients:

Zucchini and Cheese:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and nutrients to the bread, best when young and tender.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides rich flavor and melty texture, choose a high-quality block cheese for best results.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Green Onions: Provides mild onion flavor and fresh color to the bread.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Main base for the bread, provides structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the bread.

Baking Instructions for Zucchini Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Zucchini Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded zucchini
  • Chopped green onions
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter

Stir everything together until well blended. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the zucchini blend. Stir carefully, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully remove the loaf. Slice and serve warm with a delightful pat of melted butter on top.

Tips for a Soft, Cheesy Zucchini Bread Loaf

  • Squeeze Zucchini Dry: Remove excess moisture from shredded zucchini by gently pressing with paper towels to prevent soggy bread.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor that stands out in the bread's texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Test bread with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and sour cream to sit at room temperature for smoother blending and better overall texture.

Storing Zucchini Cheese Bread Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover zucchini cheese bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve freshness for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bread slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until just heated through, maintaining its soft texture and cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: The rich, cheesy zucchini bread calls for a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the bread's creamy texture and complements its savory herb notes.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the bread's richness and add a fresh contrast to each bite.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Butter: Elevate the bread's flavor by preparing a homemade compound butter mixed with fresh chives, parsley, or dill, which enhances the green onion undertones in the bread.
  • Enjoy with Charcuterie: Include slices of this zucchini cheese bread on a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and pickled vegetables for a delightful appetizer or light meal experience.

Ideas to Change Up Zucchini Cheese Bread

  • Herb-Infused Zucchini Bread: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the batter for an aromatic and flavorful upgrade that complements the cheese perfectly.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Zucchini Bread: Incorporate diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, kick-filled version that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Zucchini Bread: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that transports your taste buds to the sunny coastlines.
  • Bacon and Cheddar Zucchini Bread: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon bits and extra sharp cheddar cheese to create a savory bread that's packed with smoky, cheesy goodness.

Zucchini Cheese Bread That’s Moist and Full of Flavor

  • Savor Unexpected Veggie Delight: This zucchini cheese bread transforms ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering, sneaky way to enjoy extra nutrients without compromising on incredible flavor.
  • Enjoy Effortless Baking Magic: With simple mixing techniques and straightforward ingredients, even novice bakers can create a professional-looking bread that impresses family and friends in under an hour.
  • Celebrate Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, this cheesy quick bread delivers a comforting blend of soft texture and rich cheddar goodness that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or enjoyed solo.
  • Maximize Seasonal Produce Potential: Using fresh zucchini and green onions, this recipe brilliantly repurposes summer garden abundance into a delectable, crowd-pleasing bread that feels both homey and gourmet.
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Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Zucchini cheese bread delivers a mouthwatering fusion of garden-fresh zucchini and melted cheese in a rustic homemade loaf. Savor each slice of this comforting quick bread that brings warmth and richness to your table, inviting you to indulge in its irresistible flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups zucchini, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled
  • ¼ cup green onion, sliced (optional)

Dry Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a standard loaf pan with a thin layer of cooking grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate fresh zucchini and finely chop green onions, combining them in a spacious mixing bowl with lightly beaten eggs, creamy sour cream, and smooth melted butter.
  3. Thoroughly blend the wet ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture, then gently incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  4. In a separate vessel, sift together flour, leavening agents, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the zucchini base, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain a light, tender texture.
  6. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-70 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
  8. Allow the bread to rest briefly in the pan, then carefully loosen the edges using a sharp knife.
  9. Remove the loaf from the pan, slice into generous portions, and serve while still warm, optionally accompanied by a delicate pat of melted butter.

Notes

  • Drain excess moisture from zucchini to prevent a soggy bread texture by gently squeezing shredded zucchini with paper towels before mixing.
  • Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for smoother batter incorporation and consistent mixing.
  • Fold cheese gently to distribute evenly without overmixing, which can make the bread tough and dense.
  • Check doneness early around 50 minutes, as oven temperatures vary and can cause uneven baking.
  • Allow bread to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan to help it set and prevent crumbling when removing.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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