Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread

$- 2 medium zucchinis, grated - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - ¼ cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped To create this savory cheddar zucchini bread, you need key ingredients. Zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor. All-purpose flour forms the base. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Eggs and Greek yogurt bind everything together. Olive oil keeps the bread moist. Fresh herbs like thyme and chives add freshness. - ½ teaspoon black pepper for extra flavor - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Additional cheese variations You can enhance the flavor with optional ingredients. Black pepper adds a hint of spice. Dried thyme can replace fresh thyme if needed. You can also try different cheese types like mozzarella or feta for a unique taste. Feel free to get creative! For the full recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. 1. Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bread bake evenly. 2. Grate Zucchini and Prepare Loaf Pan Grate two medium zucchinis. If they are very watery, squeeze out the excess moisture. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the bread from sticking. 3. Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and optional ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine. 1. Whisk Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, beat two large eggs. Add ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix until everything is smooth. 2. Combine Mixtures Carefully Gradually add the wet mix to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the bread light and fluffy. 3. Pour Batter Into Pan Fold in the grated zucchini and shredded cheddar cheese, along with fresh thyme and chives. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. 1. Baking Time and Temperature Place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The bread should rise and turn golden brown. 2. Checking for Doneness Use a toothpick to check if it's done. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. Follow these steps for your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread, and enjoy the tasty results! For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. - Squeezing Excess Moisture from Zucchini Zucchini holds a lot of water. If you don't squeeze it, your bread may turn soggy. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean dish towel. Twist the towel to wring out the water. This simple step helps keep your bread light and fluffy. - Avoiding Overmixing When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the bread dense. You want it to rise and be soft, not tough. - Adding Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Try adding basil, dill, or parsley. They complement the cheese and zucchini well. Chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients for a fresh taste. - Using Different Cheese Varieties While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for some tang. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor profile that makes your bread stand out. - How to Serve Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread Slice the bread warm or at room temperature. Serve it on a wooden board for a rustic look. You can spread a little butter or olive oil on top for added richness. - Pairing Suggestions with Meals This bread pairs well with soups or salads. It can also be a great side for a grilled chicken dish. Try serving it alongside a fresh tomato salad for a delightful meal. For a snack, enjoy it with a slice of cheese or some fresh herbs. You can find the Full Recipe above to create this irresistible dish! {{image_2}} Substitute for Greek Yogurt You can swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk. These options keep the bread moist. They add a slight tang, enhancing the flavor. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free alternative. This change will make your bread a bit sweeter and softer. Gluten-Free Options To make this bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well in baking. Look for one that includes xanthan gum. This helps with texture. Almond flour is another option. It gives a nutty flavor and moistness. Just remember, it may alter the final texture a bit. Incorporating Other Vegetables You can add other veggies for more flavor. Carrots, corn, or bell peppers blend nicely. They add color and taste. Grated carrots will sweeten the bread. Chopped bell peppers bring a nice crunch. Sweet vs. Savory Additions You can play with flavors by adding sweet or savory items. For a sweet twist, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can work too. For savory, mix in cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions will give your bread a unique flair. Using a Mini Loaf Pan If you prefer smaller portions, use a mini loaf pan. This gives you cute, individual servings. Bake the mini loaves for about 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Recipe Adaptations for Muffins To make muffins, pour the batter into muffin tins. Fill them about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes. This makes for easy snacking and quick breakfasts. You can grab them on the go! For the full recipe, check out the Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread section above. Best Practices for Refrigeration To keep your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a week. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Freezing Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you crave it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. How to Reheat for Best Texture To enjoy the best texture, reheat your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the bread moist and ensures it warms evenly. Suggestions for Serving Warm Serving the bread warm enhances its cheesy flavor. You can add a pat of butter on top for extra richness. Pair it with a light salad or soup for a complete meal. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the warm, comforting texture of the bread. How long does Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread last? Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread lasts about 3-5 days when stored in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container for best results. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Can I make this recipe without cheese? Yes, you can make Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread without cheese. You may want to add more herbs or spices to keep the flavor strong. What can I serve with Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread? You can serve this bread with soups, salads, or even as a side for grilled meats. It pairs well with a light dip or spread too. What can I substitute for eggs? You can use applesauce or mashed banana as egg substitutes. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. Can I use frozen zucchini? Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before using it in the recipe. Is there a dairy-free option? To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt and omit the cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Can I use a blender for mixing? You can use a blender for mixing the wet ingredients. Just be careful not to blend the zucchini with it. How do I know when the bread is done? Check if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. The top should also be golden brown. This blog post covered everything you need to make Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread. We discussed key ingredients like zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and Greek yogurt. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and ideas for variations. This bread is easy to customize and great for any meal. Remember, enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Your next favorite dish is just a loaf away!$

Delight your taste buds with this Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread! This easy-to-follow recipe combines fresh zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavor-packed loaf that's perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a delicious homemade bread ready in no time. Don't miss out on the warm, cheesy goodness—click through to explore the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Optional: ½ teaspoon black pepper for extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture if very watery) and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional black pepper.

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then add the Greek yogurt and olive oil. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry flour mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the zucchini and cheese mixture, along with the fresh thyme and chives, until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 slices