Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful and unique twist on traditional quick bread, then you’ve come to the right place! This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread has become a beloved recipe in my kitchen. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a wonderful way to sneak some veggies into your day. Picture this: the bread is moist and fluffy, with savory bites of cheddar cheese and the fresh zing of green onions. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive side dish at family gatherings, this recipe is sure to win hearts.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up! You can have this scrumptious bread ready in just about an hour. Whether you enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or as part of a hearty meal, this quick bread is bound to become a favorite in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready for your family.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
• Great for meal prep: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy slices throughout the week.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, breakfast treat, or snack—this quick bread fits any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a breeze! You’ll find that they are all simple and wholesome, making this recipe even more appealing. Here’s what you need:

For the Bread

• 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
• 2 cups plain white flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1 cup milk (2%, whole, or nonfat)
• 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 chopped green onions

Variations

The beauty of this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread lies in its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add some spice: Toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add wonderful flavor.
• Cheese swap: Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for new flavors!
• Mix in some veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for added texture.

How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking throughout the bread. A well-preheated oven helps create that beautiful crust we all love!

Step 2: Prepare Your Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater. If your zucchini is particularly watery, give it a gentle squeeze in a clean dish towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents your bread from becoming soggy and keeps it light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. By combining these dry ingredients first, you ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter—this helps with rising and gives you that perfect texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the milk, vinegar, egg, and melted butter. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create bubbles that help your bread rise beautifully! Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the shredded zucchini, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Be careful not to overmix; you want those lovely chunks of cheese and zucchini throughout!

Step 6: Bake

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow your quick bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Letting it cool slightly makes slicing easier—trust me; you don’t want burned fingers when you taste this delicious creation!

Enjoy every slice of this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread! It’s perfect warm from the oven or toasted later on—a true comfort food that brings joy to any meal!

Pro Tips for Making Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Making this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure every loaf turns out perfectly!

• Choose the right zucchini: Opt for firm, fresh zucchinis without blemishes. This ensures that your bread has the best texture and flavor.
• Squeeze out excess moisture: After shredding your zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step helps prevent a soggy bread and enhances the overall consistency.
• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the lightness we want in a quick bread.
• Experiment with cheese variations: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to try other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. This can add a unique twist to your bread!
• Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing much easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

This quick bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it warm right out of the oven or let it cool for later enjoyment. Here are some fun ways to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Creamy spread: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese or herbed spread on top for added richness and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the savory flavors of the bread beautifully while adding a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli create a hearty side that pairs nicely with the richness of the cheddar.
• Soup: A warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup makes for an excellent companion, especially on chilly days. The cozy flavors complement each other perfectly.
• Pickled vegetables: A side of tangy pickles or pickled red onions adds brightness and contrast to your meal, enhancing every bite of your quick bread.

Enjoy your baking adventure with this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread! It’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the quick bread before freezing for easy individual servings.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and type of bread for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, remove slices and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a quicker option, pop slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• For a crispy exterior, reheat slices in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I substitute other cheeses in the Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a pepper jack if you like some heat. Just ensure that it’s grated so it melts evenly into the batter.

How can I make this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk, and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. Enjoy all the flavors without dairy!

Can I add additional ingredients to my Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?

Yes! You can customize your quick bread by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the zucchini before adding it to the bread?

Nope! The skin of zucchini is perfectly fine to include. It adds color and nutrients, so just give it a good wash before shredding!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a delightful treat that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or as part of your lunch throughout the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!