Name: Savory and Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon thyme; 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 0.5 cups whole milk; 2 cloves minced garlic; 0.5 cups chopped fresh parsley; 2 medium zucchinis, grated and squeezed dry (Salt before grating to reduce moisture.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Best Savory and Cheesy Zucchini Bread

When summer rolls around and gardens overflow with fresh produce, there’s something about zucchini that just calls to me. I remember the days of visiting local farmer’s markets, picking out the freshest zucchinis, and daydreaming about all the delicious dishes I could create. One of my all-time favorites has to be the Savory and Cheesy Zucchini Bread. It’s the kind of dish that not only makes your kitchen smell incredible but also brings family and friends together. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply having a cozy night in, this zucchini bread is bound to impress.

This recipe incorporates the delightful flavors of zucchini, along with a cheesy richness that you just can’t resist. To start, you’ll need two medium zucchinis, grated and squeezed dry—so don’t forget to salt them first to pull out that excess moisture. Salting is an essential step in many zucchini recipes, like Calabacitas, ensuring that the final dish isn’t too watery.

As for the rest of your ingredients, gather 2 cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, and you can’t forget the seasoning: black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. The flavor profile is rounded out with half a cup each of grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese. The wet ingredients include three large eggs, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and half a cup of whole milk, along with two cloves of minced garlic and some chopped fresh parsley to brighten things up.

Preparing the Loaf

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper is crucial to ensure a smooth release once it’s baked. While the oven warms up, grate your zucchinis and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens; it helps to draw out excess moisture, making sure your bread doesn’t turn soggy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Once that’s well combined, stir in the grated cheeses. Ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture is key to achieving a cheesy bite in every nook and cranny of your bread.

Now, let’s switch gears and prepare the wet ingredients in another bowl. Beat together the three eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil, milk, and minced garlic until you have a homogenous mixture. It’s hard not to taste a little while mixing—don’t worry, I won’t tell!

Putting It All Together

Now for the fun part: combining all the ingredients! Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s best not to overmix at this stage; you want the batter to be a little lumpy. Then, gently fold in the drained and grated zucchinis along with the parsley. The bright green flecks of zucchini make the bread visually appealing and are a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet.

Next, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s time to take it out. The moment your Savory and Cheesy Zucchini Bread is in the oven, the rich aroma will start wafting through your kitchen, tempting everyone around.

What to Serve It With

This zucchini bread pairs exceptionally well with a light salad or even a slice of flavorful balsamic flank steak. The contrast of the bread’s cheesy, savory profile against a refreshing salad or a hearty main dish makes for a delightful meal.

Storing Leftovers

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. However, I recommend refrigerating it if you plan to keep it for longer than that. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving again, as the flavors can deepen and develop over time.

A Few Creative Variations

This recipe is already quite versatile, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! You might try throwing in some diced bell peppers, incorporating other herbs like basil or dill, or even mixing in spices to give it a different flavor profile. Some people also enjoy adding chopped nuts for a bit of texture.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about whipping up a loaf of Savory and Cheesy Zucchini Bread. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories and moments it creates around the table. If you’re looking for another delightful twist on zucchini, consider checking out this Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. Happy baking!