Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of savory goodness and moist texture that you can whip up in just over an hour. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a cozy hug—cheesy, with just the right hint of zucchini freshness, making it ideal for breakfast, snack time, or even a light dinner.

When I first tried this quick bread, I was amazed at how the zucchini keeps it incredibly tender without making it soggy. You don’t even have to squeeze out the moisture, which saves so much time and effort. If you’re looking for something easy, cheesy, and surprisingly nutritious, you’ll find that this Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe ticks all the boxes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe plays its part perfectly, from the fresh zucchini to the sharp cheddar, making it a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. A quick tip: choose good quality cheddar for the best cheesy punch!

• Shredded zucchini: Don’t worry about squeezing out the water—it keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
• Chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony flavor that brightens up the bread.
• Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together.
• Sour cream: For tenderness and a subtle tang.
• Cooled melted butter: Imparts richness while keeping the batter moist.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base to build structure.
• Baking powder: Helps the bread rise.
• Baking soda: Works with sour cream to make the bread light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering.

Variations

I love how this Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe adapts to whatever I have on hand. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few variations that turned out great, so don’t be shy to experiment.

• Herb Swap: Sometimes I substitute chives with fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal aroma that still complements the cheese.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve used vegan sour cream and dairy-free cheese when hosting friends with allergies, and it still turned out deliciously moist.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño gives the bread a nice warm heat that my family enjoys.
• Nutty Crunch: Occasionally, I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and subtle nuttiness.

How to Make Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides to make removing the bread easier later. Give the pan a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking—trust me, parchment plus spray is a game-changer for quick breads!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, toss shredded zucchini (remember, no squeezing!), chopped chives, eggs, sour cream, and cooled melted butter together. Stir everything until well combined. This mix is the flavorful base of your bread that brings moisture and richness.

Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Now stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. I’ve found that using freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded varieties, but go with what you have. Fold it gently so the cheese distributes evenly through the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a smaller bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. This ensures your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet zucchini mixture and gently fold them together until just combined. The batter will feel thick—that’s exactly right. Avoid overmixing here to keep the bread tender and soft.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, let it cool for 15 minutes in the pan—this helps it set—and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra fresh chopped chives or a little more shredded cheddar on top before serving for that inviting look and extra flavor boost. Sometimes a light brush of melted butter while it’s still warm makes it even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup. My family loves it alongside scrambled eggs or even a simple smoothie for a balanced breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I like to slice the bread into mini squares and serve it on a tiered platter with an assortment of fresh veggies and dips. It’s also fantastic wrapped in parchment with some fresh herb sprigs tied on top—great for gifting or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store the bread at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warmer in your kitchen, pop it in the fridge to keep fresh a bit longer. Just before serving, I like to warm slices slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Freezing

Since this bread freezes really well, I often slice it first, wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, and stash them in a freezer bag. When friends drop by unexpectedly, I can quickly thaw a slice for a cozy snack or lunch addition.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming slices in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to keep the crust slightly crisp. You can microwave it too, just cover the slice with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, fast, and always delivers on flavor and texture. I love sharing it with friends and family who are often surprised by just how moist and cheesy it is—without that need for squeezing zucchini or complex steps. If you want an easy, comforting bread packed with mild veggies and cheesy goodness, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll enjoy every bite!

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