Cheesy Zucchini Bread

Cheesy Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• • Zucchini: 1½ cups (180 g), grated

• • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240 g)
  • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon

• • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
  • Eggs: 2 large

• • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Vegetable Oil (or Melted Butter): ⅓ cup (80 ml)
  • Cheddar Cheese (shredded): 1 cup (100 g)

• Parmesan Cheese (optional): ¼ cup (25 g)
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (parsley or chives, optional): 2 tablespoons

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings and Calories

• • Servings: 8 slices

• Calories (per serving): Approximately 210 kcal

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Cheesy Zucchini Bread is timeless because it strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence. Its origins lie in the age-old tradition of using seasonal produce to create hearty, homemade dishes. Zucchini, with its mild flavor and high moisture content, lends itself beautifully to baking. When combined with cheese and herbs, it transforms into a versatile loaf that feels both luxurious and approachable.

This bread is also adaptable—ideal for a variety of dietary preferences and occasions. It can be served as a light snack, paired with soups for a comforting meal, or used to impress guests at brunch. Its universal appeal lies in its simplicity, making it a recipe that transcends generations and culinary trends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step ensures the bread isn’t overly dense.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.

1. If you’re using herbs or additional seasonings, add them to this mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. 1. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well-combined. Add the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and mix thoroughly.
   2. Stir in the grated zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. The batter should be slightly thick but cohesive.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. 1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. 1. Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply on its own with a pat of butter.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g

• • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g