Prepare to fall in love with a loaf that’s cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying: Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. This is the kind of bread that bridges the gap between comfort food and wholesome goodness, making it equally welcome at brunch, as a snack, or even alongside your favorite soup for dinner. Each bite delivers tender shreds of zucchini and a punch of sharp cheddar baked into a golden, aromatic crust. It’s impossibly easy to whip up yet feels like a delicious homemade treat meant for sharing with friends and family. If you’re ready to brighten your day with something both practical and crave-worthy, this bread might be your new go-to recipe!

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread couldn’t be simpler—each element brings important flavor, texture, or even a pop of color to the loaf. A few pantry staples plus fresh zucchini and cheddar are all you need to create this cheesy, veggie-studded bread.

Zucchini: The fresh, grated zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist while sneaking in extra veggies.
All-purpose flour: Provides the soft, fluffy structure and holds everything together.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, tangy depth of flavor and beautiful golden flecks throughout the loaf.
Baking powder: Gives the bread its satisfying rise and soft crumb—don’t skip it!
Large eggs: Help bind the batter and add tenderness to every slice.
Whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Makes the bread extra rich and light; non-dairy options work well, too.
Olive oil: Brings a subtle savory note and keeps the bread tender and moist.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—just the right amount makes everything pop.

How to Make Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard loaf pan with olive oil or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for an even easier release. Taking care of this step first ensures your batter doesn’t sit around while you work, helping the bread rise and bake evenly from the get-go.

Step 2: Grate and Drain the Zucchini

Using a box grater or food processor, grate the zucchinis. The secret to a perfect Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is squeezing out as much excess moisture as you can—wrap the grated zucchini up in a clean kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze over the sink. This step prevents a soggy loaf and keeps the crumb just right.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stirring these together first makes sure the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed so every bite is balanced and tender. It’s a quick but important trick for baking success.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then mix in the milk and olive oil. This creates a luscious, cohesive mixture that will add lots of moisture and flavor to your bread. Combining the wet ingredients before adding them to the dry helps the batter come together more evenly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients, then gently fold in the grated zucchini and shredded cheddar. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make the bread tough. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a hearty, moist loaf.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the loaf is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool slightly before slicing. This is the hardest part—your kitchen will smell so good!

How to Serve Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes

This bread is a stunner all by itself, but you can boost both appearance and flavor with a few simple garnishes. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar right before baking for a gorgeous cheesy crust, or scatter some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pairing Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread with the right sides turns it into a showstopping meal. Serve thick slices alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup, fresh salads, or with scrambled eggs for brunch. It’s also fantastic with roasted veggies or a platter of cured meats and olives for a rustic appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get extra fancy, cut the loaf into cubes and toast them for savory croutons, or use thick slices to make open-face sandwiches with avocado, smoked salmon, or ham. Mini loaves or muffins make great edible gifts—just wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade touch everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cooled Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. You can also stash it in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for snacking or packed lunches all week long.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice and wrap individual pieces for easy grabbing, or freeze the whole loaf tightly wrapped in a freezer bag. To prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors fresh, I recommend eating it within two months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop slices in a toaster or warm in the oven for a few minutes until heated through. If you prefer microwaving, a quick 15-second zap does the trick. A warm slice of Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread with a dab of butter is simply irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well in this recipe and will give your loaf a slightly different color and a delicate, mild sweetness. Prepare it just as you would zucchini—grate and squeeze out the moisture for the best results.

What kind of cheddar is best for this bread?

I love using sharp cheddar (white or orange) because it packs so much flavor, but feel free to try extra sharp, mild, or even a mix for variety. As long as it melts well, it will taste fantastic in Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture will stay tender and moist, and the savory flavors shine through just as beautifully.

Does this bread freeze well after baking?

Definitely. Bake, cool, and slice the bread, then freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap. This way, you can pull out a slice or two whenever you need a quick, tasty snack.

Can I add herbs or other vegetables?

Go for it! Finely chopped chives, dill, or parsley are wonderful additions. You can also toss in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, sweet corn, or bell peppers for extra flair. Customize your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread to suit your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try and savor every cheesy, veggie-packed bite. Let this loaf brighten your table or surprise your loved ones—it’s too good not to share!

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful blend of fresh zucchinis, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings baked into a moist and flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchinis:

2 medium zucchinis (grated)

All-Purpose Flour:

1 cup

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup shredded

Baking Powder:

2 tsp

Eggs:

2 large

Whole Milk:

1/2 cup (or almond/oat milk)

Olive Oil:

1/4 cup

Salt:

1/2 tsp

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
Prepare Zucchinis: Grate zucchinis and remove excess moisture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs, then add milk and olive oil.
Blend Batter: Mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients, zucchini, and cheddar cheese until just combined.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Notes

You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
This bread freezes well; slice it before freezing for easy portions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 220
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Zucchini Cheddar Bread, Quick Bread Recipe, Savory Baking