Every once in a while, a recipe emerges that perfectly balances savory richness and homey comfort in a single slice. This Cheesy Zucchini Bread brings together the rich taste of cheddar and Parmesan with the freshness of zucchini, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s irresistible. As you slice through the golden crust, flecks of vibrant green peek through, hinting at the tender zucchini tucked inside. With every bite, the cheddar oozes slightly, mingling with the nutty Parmesan to create a symphony of taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. There’s something magical about the way the melted cheese forms little pockets of gooey goodness, and the subtle garlic and black pepper notes add just the right amount of zing.
What makes this loaf even more special is how approachable it is for home cooks of all skill levels. Rated as a beginner-friendly delight, you’ll spend just 15 minutes on preparation before letting your oven do the rest of the work over 50–60 minutes of baking time. After a brief 15-minute rest, you’ll have ten slices of tender, cheesy heaven—each about 200 calories—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Whether you serve it as an appetizer alongside a crisp salad, enjoy it as a savory snack, or feature it as part of a comforting dinner spread, this zucchini bread is versatile enough to shine in any course. Grab your grater and loaf pan, and let’s get ready to fill your home with incredible flavors that will have family and friends asking for seconds.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY ZUCCHINI BREAD
Before we dive into the step-by-step magic of baking, let’s talk about what makes this zucchini bread so special. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building structure, texture, and flavor, from the earthy zucchini to the sharp cheeses and warming spices.
- Grated zucchini
Fresh zucchini brings moisture and a subtle vegetal sweetness. When drained properly, it keeps the bread tender without making it soggy.
- Salt
Beyond seasoning, salt helps draw out excess moisture from the zucchini and enhances all the other flavors in the loaf.
- All-purpose flour
The backbone of the bread’s structure, providing the necessary gluten network to hold everything together.
- Baking powder
A leavening agent that contributes to a light and fluffy crumb by creating carbon dioxide bubbles as the bread bakes.
- Baking soda
Works in tandem with baking powder to ensure the bread rises evenly and achieves a delicate, airy texture.
- Black pepper
Adds a subtle heat and an aromatic edge that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic powder
Infuses each bite with a gentle garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Offers a sharp, salty accent and helps create a firmer crumb.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Brings gooey, melty pockets of flavor and a vibrant color that makes every slice look irresistible.
- Melted butter
Contributes richness and ensures a tender, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs
Bind the ingredients together and add structure, making each slice easy to handle and slice.
- Milk
Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter for an evenly baked loaf.
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Sprinkles a burst of color and a lively herbal note to brighten every mouthful.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY ZUCCHINI BREAD
Ready to transform those beautiful ingredients into something unforgettable? Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be slicing into warm, cheesy perfection in no time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release once baked.
2. Place the grated zucchini into a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then squeeze any remaining liquid with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined and fluffy.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, coating each morsel of flour mixture for bursts of cheesy goodness throughout the loaf.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and milk until the liquid ingredients form a smooth, unified batter.
6. Fold the drained zucchini gently into the wet ingredients, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.
7. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dry ingredients and use a spatula to stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with the spatula for an even surface.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the batter, creating a golden, melty crown as it bakes.
10. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crust is beautifully golden.
11. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring clean slices and the ideal texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY ZUCCHINI BREAD
Whether you’re looking to elevate a casual lunch or impress guests at a dinner party, this cheesy zucchini bread fits seamlessly into any menu. Its moist crumb and savory cheese pockets pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, offering a delicious contrast of textures and a pop of color to your table. Serve it warm or at room temperature—both deliver a delightful experience. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Soup Companion
Slice the bread into thick wedges and serve alongside a hearty soup—tomato basil or creamy potato leek both work wonders. The bread’s tender interior soaks up broth, creating a truly comforting bite.
- Salad Sidekick
Cut into thin strips and toast lightly under the broiler for a crunchy crouton-like addition to salads. The melted cheese crisps up and adds dimension to vibrant greens.
- Bruschetta Board
Top toasted slices with diced tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. The cheesy base complements the bright tomato acidity for an unforgettable appetizer.
- Breakfast Twist
Warm a slice and serve with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of poached eggs. The savory loaf takes on a whole new dimension at breakfast or brunch, especially when paired with fresh herbs.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY ZUCCHINI BREAD
Once you’ve baked this delightful loaf, keeping it fresh and flavorful is key. Whether you’re saving leftovers for the next day or preparing slices in advance, proper storage ensures that every bite remains as wonderful as when it first came out of the oven. Moisture retention, cheese freshness, and maintaining that tender crumb are all goals when storing. Try these simple methods:
- Room Temperature Wrap
Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration
For longer storage, place cooled slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag with a piece of parchment between slices to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven.
- Freezing
Slice the loaf, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen in a low oven.
- Reheating Tips
To revive that just-baked texture, warm slices at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or pop them in the toaster. This helps re-melt the cheese and restore a crisp exterior without drying it out.
CONCLUSION
From the very first glimpse of shredded zucchini and grated Parmesan to that triumphant moment when you pull a steaming loaf from the oven, this Cheesy Zucchini Bread is a celebration of bold flavors and homey appeal. We’ve covered everything from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the gentle art of mixing without overworking, and even the best ways to store and serve your creation. As a beginner-friendly recipe, it proves that anyone can transform simple pantry staples into something truly special. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly evening with a bowl of soup or impress friends at your next brunch, this loaf has you covered. Don’t forget that you can easily turn this into muffins for on-the-go snacking, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you crave a spicy kick. Be sure to take note of the Preparation Time (15 minutes), Cooking Time (50–60 minutes), and Rest Time (15 minutes) so you can plan perfectly around your schedule.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—having a tried-and-true recipe on hand is a real kitchen lifesaver. Below, you’ll find an FAQ to address common questions, and I’d love to hear from you: Did you give this zucchini bread a try? How did it turn out? Drop a comment with your thoughts, questions, or any feedback you have. Your experiences help our community learn and grow together, and I’m always here to cheer you on in your culinary adventures. Happy baking!
Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Description
This Cheesy Zucchini Bread brings together the rich taste of cheddar and Parmesan with the freshness of zucchini, creating a moist and flavorful treat that's irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Place the grated zucchini in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Squeeze out any remaining liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and milk until well combined.
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Add the drained zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the batter.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- This bread can be served warm or at room temperature.
- It pairs deliciously well with soups and salads.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the batter.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be turned into muffins by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
