If you’re craving a comforting bake with a savory spin, Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is a must-try! This golden loaf blends the mild, garden-fresh flavor of zucchini, rich sharp cheddar, and a hint of spice, all wrapped in a moist, tender crumb. It’s the type of quick bread you’ll want to serve warm from the oven to family or friends, perfect for snacking, brunch, or as an unexpected side to your next meal. Once you try this Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread, you’ll be dreaming of ways to enjoy it again and again.

Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The list for Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is refreshingly simple, but each ingredient serves a delicious purpose, building flavor and texture into every bite. Every item makes its own contribution, so don’t skip or skimp—these little details add up to an irresistible loaf.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, giving it structure and lightness.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, ensuring a fluffy crumb.
Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the ideal lift and color.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy background that complements the savory notes.
Ground mustard: Brings a subtle tang and warmth that plays perfectly with cheddar.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch kicks the flavor up a notch without overwhelming the palate.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Choose a sharp cheddar for bold, melty pockets throughout the loaf.
Grated zucchini: Adds moisture, beautiful flecks of green, and gentle sweetness.
Milk: Binds and enriches the batter for a moist, tender texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread soft and ensures a lovely crumb.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the loaf its lift.

How to Make Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan; this ensures your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread pops out easily after baking with that picture-perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne. This step guarantees all the leavening and spices are evenly distributed before the cheese and zucchini go in.

Step 3: Add Cheddar and Zucchini

Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated zucchini. The cheese will pepper the bread with tangy richness, while the zucchini melts seamlessly into the crumb, offering moisture and a hint of freshness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Make sure everything is blended until smooth—this will ensure your finished bread is evenly textured and tender.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until all the flour disappears; don’t overmix, or you risk a dense loaf. A few streaks are fine—the magic happens in the oven!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even rise. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is ready to shine.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack so it finishes cooling, allowing the crumb to set perfectly before slicing.

How to Serve Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread with a scattering of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, a little extra grated cheddar, or a crack of black pepper on top. These simple additions make each slice feel extra special, whether served warm or at room temperature.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs effortlessly with hearty soups and chilis, adds a savory touch to fresh green salads, or can turn a simple omelet or scrambled egg breakfast into something memorable. The cheese and zucchini flavors are so versatile that you’ll find they enhance almost any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and toasting your bread, then topping it with a dollop of herbed cream cheese or tomato jam for an unforgettable appetizer. Or, use thin slices to make open-faced sandwiches—think smoked turkey, sliced tomato, and a sprinkle of arugula for a lunch that feels totally café-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream! Cool the loaf completely, then wrap it well before freezing for up to 2 months. For ease, slice before freezing so you can pull out just what you need for a quick snack or breakfast.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, gently reheat individual slices in a toaster or oven at low heat. The cheese will melt a little, and the crumb will spring right back. If frozen, let it thaw at room temperature first or use your toaster’s defrost setting.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in this Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor, you can swap in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a unique twist. Just use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

Do I need to peel the zucchini first?

No peeling is necessary! The zucchini skin is tender and adds lovely color flecks throughout your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread. Just wash well and grate with the skin on.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may differ slightly, but you’ll still get amazing flavor and moistness.

What’s the best way to grate the zucchini?

Use the coarse side of a box grater or a food processor’s grating attachment. Squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the batter to prevent a soggy loaf.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can make your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread dense and tough. Stir just until you see no visible flour for the perfect crumb.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the secret to a loaf that disappears within minutes: Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, moist, and just a little bit spicy. Roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let this cozy bread become a staple in your kitchen—you’ll be sharing slices (and the recipe!) with friends in no time.

Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread, packed with savory flavors and gooey cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease/flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper.
Add Cheese and Zucchini: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and grated zucchini to the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This bread pairs well with soups or makes a tasty snack on its own.
For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Savory, Cheddar, Zucchini Bread, Baking, Cheese, Vegetarian