Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe

Golden Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe: A Slice of Heaven

Warm, golden bread studded with zucchini and melted cheese tempts every hungry soul who walks into the kitchen.

This homemade zucchini bread brings comfort straight from your oven.

Farm-fresh zucchini creates a moist, tender base for sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Herbs and spices dance through each savory slice, adding depth and complexity.

The aroma promises a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary quick breads.

Sliced thick or thin, this bread becomes the star of any meal or snack time.

Bake a batch and watch everyone gather around, eager to savor each delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients That Make Zucchini Cheese Bread a Star

For Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and backbone for the bread, choose all-purpose for consistent texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps bread rise and become fluffy, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.
  • Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and aids in browning, check expiration date.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic complexity to the bread.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to rich, tender crumb.
  • Sour Cream: Creates moisture and tanginess, opt for full-fat version for best results.
  • Butter: Brings richness and smooth mouthfeel, melt carefully to maintain quality.
For Mix-Ins:
  • Zucchini: Adds moisture and nutrition, grate and lightly squeeze out excess water.
  • Cheese: Provides melty pockets of flavor, sharp cheddar works best for bold taste.
  • Chives: Introduces fresh, oniony notes and vibrant green color, finely chop for even distribution.

Tools That Help You Bake Zucchini Cheese Bread with Ease

  • Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for shaping and baking the bread, ensure it's greased or lined with parchment paper.
  • Large Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients, making mixing easy and organized.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly and breaking up any flour lumps.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding zucchini, cheese, and chives into the batter without overmixing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure bread success.
  • Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block cheese that needs grating.
  • Toothpick: Used to check bread doneness by inserting into the center.
  • Wire Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.

Zucchini Cheese Bread – Mix, Pour, Bake

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and get your loaf pan ready by giving it a quick spray or lining it with parchment paper.

  • Create the Dry Mix

Grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour blend with baking essentials until they’re perfectly combined and looking smooth.

  • Blend the Wet Components

In another bowl, crack those eggs and whisk them up. Pour in the creamy sour cream and melted butter, stirring until everything looks silky and integrated.

  • Combine with Magic

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together. Don’t go crazy mixing – just combine until it looks right. Softly fold in the shredded zucchini, sprinkle in the cheese, and add those fresh chives for an extra flavor punch.

  • Bake to Perfection

Transfer your gorgeous batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the waiting oven. Let it bake for 50-60 minutes – you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

  • Cool and Slice

Give your bread a quick 10-minute rest in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once it’s completely cooled, slice it up and get ready to enjoy a seriously delicious homemade treat!

Tips That Take Zucchini Cheese Bread to Another Level

  • Squeeze excess water from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and ensure perfect texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to complement the existing chives and create a more complex taste experience.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks for convenient meal prep.

Zucchini Cheese Bread: Serving It Fresh, Warm, or Toasted

  • Breakfast Companion: Slice this zucchini cheese bread and pair with a soft-scrambled egg for a hearty morning meal that balances savory flavors perfectly.
  • Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad or fresh green soup for a delightful midday snack that offers a satisfying blend of textures.
  • Game Day Appetizer: Cut into small cubes and serve as a tasty finger food during sports gatherings, letting guests enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness with minimal fuss.
  • Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack slices wrapped in parchment paper for an outdoor lunch, where the bread's robust flavors will shine in a relaxed al fresco setting.

How to Store Zucchini Cheese Bread and Keep It Soft

  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining moisture and preventing staleness.
  • Slice bread before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 months in a sealed freezer bag, allowing quick single-serving defrosting.
  • Warm individual slices in a toaster or oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and enhance cheese's melty qualities.
  • Keep bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, placing a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe

Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Freshly baked zucchini cheese bread offers a delightful twist on classic comfort food, blending garden-fresh vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Savory slices promise a mouthwatering experience that connects home cooks with wholesome, satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ ounces (42 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped chives or green onions
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of grease or parchment lining.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Thoroughly whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
  3. Liquid Fusion: Vigorously beat eggs, then smoothly incorporate sour cream and melted butter, creating a uniform liquid mixture with silky consistency.
  4. Final Assembly: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Carefully introduce shredded zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and delicate chives, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
  5. Baking Process: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a clean toothpick emerges from the center when inserted.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then delicately transfer to a wire cooling rack. Once completely cooled, slice and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to maintain bread’s crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Toss shredded cheese in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and ensure even cheese spread throughout the bread.
  • Stir batter just until ingredients combine to keep bread tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands that make bread dense.
  • Swap chives with fresh herbs like dill or basil, or add crispy bacon bits for a different flavor profile that complements the zucchini and cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star