If you’re on the hunt for a bread that’s ridiculously moist, full of flavor, and sneaks in a few veggies all at once, Zucchini Cheese Bread is about to be your new obsession. Imagine the perfect savory loaf: tender shreds of zucchini melt into the crumb while sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese create pockets of gooey, golden richness, all wrapped in a beautifully crusty exterior. This bread is the ultimate sidekick for soups and salads, but it’s just as dreamy on its own, warm from the oven. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why Zucchini Cheese Bread holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s comfort food with a twist of garden-fresh magic.

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a simple list of ingredients can create something so flavorful. Each element brings something vital: from the moisture of the zucchini, to the depth of the cheeses, to the gentle lift from baking powder. Ready to see how these essentials come together?

Zucchini: Grate it fresh and squeeze out the excess moisture for that perfect tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the bread light and soft.
Cheddar cheese: Gives the loaf incredible flavor and irresistibly melty bites.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of savory, salty richness that complements the zucchini beautifully.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add to the bread’s fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps everything mix smoothly—whole or 2% work best.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender (olive oil works in a pinch too!).
Baking powder: Lets the loaf rise up tall and fluffy without any yeast.
Garlic powder: Lends gentle, savory warmth and depth.
Salt & pepper: Essential for drawing out the balance of flavors.

How to Make Zucchini Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Start by washing your zucchini well—no need to peel. Grate it on the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, twist it up, and squeeze fiercely over your sink. Removing the excess water makes sure your bread turns out perfectly moist instead of soggy, a pro tip for the best Zucchini Cheese Bread texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to breathe in that savory aroma—this simple step sets the stage for the flavors to pop in every slice.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and oil until completely combined. This trio is key to a tender crumb and helps all other ingredients happily mingle together. Don’t rush this step—a thorough whisk ensures a consistent loaf.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the squeezed zucchini, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Gently fold everything together with a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out, guaranteeing a soft Zucchini Cheese Bread.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Sprinkle a bit of extra cheddar or Parmesan on top for that golden, cheesy crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is gloriously golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let your Zucchini Cheese Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Wait until it’s just warm to the touch—this patience ensures neat slices and the best texture. Now, slice and dig in!

How to Serve Zucchini Cheese Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill. If you’re feeling decadent, add a pat of soft butter or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil to really make the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Zucchini Cheese Bread is magical alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or paired with a crisp green salad. For brunch, serve it with scrambled eggs and roasted veggies, or alongside a platter of cheese and fresh fruit for a satisfying snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the loaf into cubes and serve on a cheese board with cured meats, or toast slices for the ultimate savory crostini. You can even grill thick slices and top with roasted tomatoes or a dollop of ricotta—Zucchini Cheese Bread plays beautifully in all sorts of culinary adventures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Zucchini Cheese Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In warmer climates, it’s best to keep it in the fridge where it will last up to a week—just bring slices to room temp before enjoying for the best flavor.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream. After the loaf cools completely, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. If you prefer, slice it first and separate slices with parchment for easy grab-and-go servings.

Reheating

To refresh your Zucchini Cheese Bread, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. The microwave works for a quick fix, but oven-warming revives the crust and brings out the cheesy aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Zucchini Cheese Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture will be a tad different, but it’s still a delicious and veggie-packed treat.

Does the zucchini need to be peeled first?

No peeling necessary. The skin is thin, adds color, and melts right into the bread. Just give your zucchini a good wash before shredding.

What types of cheese work best?

Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to experiment—Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack will give your Zucchini Cheese Bread new personality.

How do I keep the bread from becoming soggy?

The secret is squeezing as much liquid from the grated zucchini as possible before adding it to the batter. If you skip this, your bread may come out overly dense and moist.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Go for it! Chopped scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of cooked bacon bits are fantastic ways to personalize your Zucchini Cheese Bread.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini Cheese Bread is one of those recipes that brings comfort and a little surprise to every table. If you’ve never tried baking with zucchini, start here—the results are both impressive and completely crave-worthy. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe