Welcome to your new favorite quick bread recipe—Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread! This delightful loaf combines the richness of sharp cheddar cheese with the savory aroma of garlic and the subtle sweetness of zucchini. Imagine slicing into a warm, golden loaf that crumbles softly with each bite, releasing mouthwatering flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side for dinner or a scrumptious snack, this recipe is a game changer!
What makes this dish truly special is its delightful combination of flavors along with the added health benefits of zucchini, allowing you to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that comes together in no time, making it perfect for families or anyone craving comfort food without a fuss. If you love the ease and flavor of this dish, you’ll definitely want to check out our savory Cheddar Cornbread for another exciting meal option. Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread!
What is Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread?
Ah, Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread! With a name like that, how can it not pique your curiosity? Imagine bread that not only sounds fancy but is easy enough for even a novice baker to whip up. But why the long name? Is it because the bread is trying to impress us with its cheesy charm? Perhaps! The classic saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” certainly rings true here, as this recipe has the power to win over anyone who takes a bite. So go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a delightful baking experience!
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread
First and foremost, the star of this dish is undoubtedly the fresh zucchini that adds moisture and nutritional value, making it both delicious and healthy. Not to mention, the bold flavor of cheddar cheese and the aromatic hint of garlic elevate this bread from ordinary to extraordinary. You also get the satisfaction of creating something homemade that is far superior to store-bought options!
One of the best aspects of making Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread at home is the cost savings. With minimal ingredients and no need for fancy equipment, you can create a delightful loaf that impresses family and friends. If you enjoy similar quick breads, you might want to try out our Classic Banana Bread for a different flavor twist. Now’s the time to roll your sleeves up and experience this fantastic recipe in your own kitchen!
How to Make Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread
Quick Overview
Making Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread is incredibly simple! This dish comes together in under an hour, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture, thanks to the zucchini and cheddar. With its comforting flavors, it’s perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or served alongside a hearty soup or salad. Let’s not forget—everyone will appreciate how easy it is to make!
Key Ingredients for Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out excess liquid)
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and develops that lovely golden crust.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate your zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, squeeze out any excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for avoiding a soggy bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs until smooth. Then, stir in the grated zucchini, minced garlic, and both types of cheese.
- Combine Mixture: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can result in a dense bread.
- Pour into Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then pour the batter in evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Always make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to ensure a perfectly baked bread.
- Cheese Options: If you want to experiment, try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a unique twist.
- Finishing Touch: Consider brushing the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkling some extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for an irresistible crust.
- Flavor Boost: Want an extra kick? Add spices like crushed red pepper or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor depth.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the bread in foil, and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Enjoy the delightful flavors all over again!
Now that you have the scoop on Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread, it’s time to get baking! Trust us—this recipe will quickly become a family favorite, adding a cheesy, savory twist to your meals. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups grated zucchini Squeeze out excess liquid
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs until smooth, then stir in the grated zucchini, minced garlic, and both cheeses.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, pour the batter evenly, and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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