This Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread is a tasty treat! It combines soft zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs for a delightful flavor.
Honestly, who needs fancy recipes when you can whip this up in no time? I love making it on weekends and enjoying it with soup—perfect comfort food to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier spin, though it may make the bread a bit denser.
Baking Powder: Essential for helping the bread rise. If you’re out, you can make a substitute with baking soda (1/4 teaspoon) combined with vinegar (1 teaspoon) in the wet ingredients.
Zucchini: Grating zucchini adds moisture. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or even mashed bananas work well, but they’ll change the flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds a savory kick. Feel free to use other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste.
Beer: It provides flavor and leavening. Non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water are good substitutes if you prefer to skip the alcohol.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Zucchini?
Removing excess moisture from zucchini is key to a good texture in the bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Twist and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible.
Doing this prevents your bread from being soggy and helps achieve that perfect texture! Trust me, it makes a big difference.
Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or mixed Italian herbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
- 12 ounces (1 bottle or can) beer (lager or ale, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake. Just a bit of waiting after mixing, and you’ll have warm, fresh bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. This will help distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the bread.
3. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped fresh herbs. This adds great flavor and texture to your bread!
4. Fold in Zucchini:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated zucchini. Make sure you’ve squeezed out the excess moisture to avoid a soggy bread.
5. Pour in the Beer:
Pour in the beer, and gently stir until everything is just combined into a thick batter. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly for an even rise.
7. Optional Brushing:
If you’d like a golden crust, brush the top of the batter with olive oil or melted butter.
8. Bake:
Bake the bread for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top turns golden brown.
9. Cooling Time:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with soups, chili, or simply enjoyed on its own!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful zucchini cheddar herb beer bread!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the quantity the same!
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can slice and freeze the bread, and it will keep well for about 2 months. Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Veggies or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients. Just keep in mind to squeeze out excess moisture if adding watery vegetables. Nuts or seeds can also be added for extra crunch!
Why Is It Important to Squeeze Out Zucchini Moisture?
Removing excess moisture from zucchini is crucial to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Squeezing it out helps maintain a light texture in your bread, ensuring it rises properly during baking!
