Imagine a bread that is not just soft and fluffy but also packed with a healthy green vegetable and smothered in cheese. That's exactly what you'll get with this cheesy zucchini bread. It's an ideal recipe for anyone looking to include more veggies in their diet in a delicious and appetizing way.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely to be already in your pantry. But you might need to pick up zucchini and mozzarella cheese from the supermarket if you don't usually keep them on hand. Also, cornstarch, which is used to give the bread a firm texture, can be replaced with all-purpose flour if unavailable.
Ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Zucchini: Low in calories and high in fiber, zucchini adds moisture and subtle flavor to the bread.
Eggs: They help to bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bread.
Garlic: It gives the bread a savory flavor kick.
Oregano: This herb adds a taste of Italy to the bread.
Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully and gives the bread a gooey, cheesy crust.
Parmesan: It imparts a sharper, more complex flavor than mozzarella.
Cornstarch: It helps to firm up the bread and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Salt and pepper: They bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Red pepper flakes: They add a bit of heat to the bread, but can be omitted if you prefer milder flavors.
Parsley: It adds a fresh, herby note to the bread.
Marinara: It's the perfect tangy and savory dip to go with the cheesy bread.
One reader, Agneta Held says:
This cheesy zucchini bread recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zucchini and cheese creates a savory, moist bread that's perfect for any occasion. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Key Techniques for Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe
How to prepare zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor. Then, use cheesecloth or a dish towel to wring out the excess moisture from the zucchini.
How to bake the zucchini bread: After transferring the zucchini mixture to the prepared baking sheet, pat it into a crust and bake it in a preheated oven at 425ºF until it turns golden and dries out, which should take about 25 minutes.
How to melt the cheese: Sprinkle the zucchini bread with the remaining mozzarella, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley, then bake it for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
How to serve the zucchini bread: Slice the zucchini bread and serve it with marinara sauce.
How To Make Zucchini Cheesy Bread
This zucchini cheesy bread is for cheese lovers. Each zucchini bread serving is oozing with Parmesan and mozzarella for a satisfying keto-friendly treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3medium zucchini,or about 4 cups grated zucchini
- 2large eggs
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- ½tsporegano,dried
- 3cupsmozzarella,shredded, divided
- ½cupparmesan,freshly grated
- ¼cupcornstarch
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- pinchred pepper flakes,crushed
- 2tspparsley,freshly chopped
- marinara,for dipping, use sugar free if you’re on Keto diet
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
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On a box grater or in a food processor, grate zucchini. Using cheesecloth or a dish towel, wring excess moisture out of zucchini.
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Transfer zucchini to a large bowl with eggs, garlic, oregano, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and cornstarch, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
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Transfer the dough to a prepared baking sheet and pat it into a crust. Bake until golden and dried out for 25 minutes.
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Sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups mozzarella, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley and bake until cheese is melted for 8 to 10 minutes more.
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Slice and serve with marinara.
Nutrition
- Calories: 421.02kcal
- Fat: 26.47g
- Saturated Fat: 15.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.38g
- Carbohydrates: 15.66g
- Fiber: 1.86g
- Sugar: 4.81g
- Protein: 30.42g
- Cholesterol: 172.00mg
- Sodium: 831.24mg
- Calcium: 691.32mg
- Potassium: 521.76mg
- Iron: 1.73mg
- Vitamin A: 246.51µg
- Vitamin C: 27.62mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Cheesy Zucchini Bread Success
When wringing out the zucchini, it's important to remove as much moisture as possible. This will ensure that your bread doesn't become soggy. A good technique is to place the grated zucchini in a clean dish towel, gather the corners of the towel, and twist it to squeeze out the liquid. You'll be surprised at how much water zucchini contains!
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before starting. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This eliminates the need for grating and reduces prep time significantly.
Double the recipe: Consider making a double batch of cheesy zucchini bread and freeze the extra loaf for later. This way, you'll have a delicious meal ready to go with minimal effort.
Bake multiple loaves: If you have the oven space, consider baking multiple loaves at once to maximize efficiency and save time in the long run.
Prep ahead: Prepare the zucchini mixture the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and reduces the prep work on the day of baking.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Cheesy Bread Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for zucchini in the bread recipe.
mozzarella - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can provide a rich and sharp flavor similar to mozzarella, adding a delicious twist to the zucchini bread.
parmesan - Substitute with asiago cheese: Asiago cheese offers a nutty and slightly tangy flavor, which can complement the zucchini bread recipe as a substitute for parmesan.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can serve as a thickening agent and provide structure to the zucchini bread, similar to cornstarch.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Elevate the zucchini bread: Carefully arrange the zucchini bread slices on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the zucchini bread to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Drizzle with marinara: Using a squeeze bottle, create an elegant drizzle of marinara sauce on the plate, adding a burst of vibrant red to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few delicate, edible flowers around the zucchini bread to add a touch of sophistication and a subtle floral aroma.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan: Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the zucchini bread with freshly grated parmesan to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of savory flavor.
Serve on a wooden board: For a rustic yet refined presentation, serve the zucchini bread on a polished wooden board, adding a touch of warmth and charm to the dish.
Create a cheese pull: When serving, gently pull the zucchini bread apart to showcase the gooey, melted cheese, creating an enticing visual and sensory experience for the judges.
Essential Tools for Making Zucchini Bread with Cheese
- Box grater: A kitchen tool used for grating foods such as cheese, vegetables, and chocolate.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Parchment: A type of paper used in baking as a non-stick surface for lining baking sheets and pans.
- Cheesecloth: A loose-woven cotton cloth used for straining liquids and making cheese.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking in the oven.
Storing and Freezing Cheesy Zucchini Bread
To store the cheesy zucchini bread, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent moisture from forming on the surface and keep the bread fresh for longer.
Once wrapped, the zucchini bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the zucchini bread. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen zucchini bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it at room temperature for a few hours until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you want to reheat the cheesy zucchini bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For best results, avoid microwaving the zucchini bread as it may cause the bread to become soggy and the cheese to become rubbery. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the texture and flavor of the bread.
Reheating Leftover Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheesy zucchini bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispy texture of the bread while keeping the interior soft and cheesy.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place a slice of the cheesy zucchini bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the bread may become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your cheesy zucchini bread. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the bread in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method will give you a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and cheesy interior.
For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of the cheesy zucchini bread in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method will give you a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy interior.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the cheesy zucchini bread, you can use the oven or air fryer methods mentioned above. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking the bread every few minutes to ensure it doesn't burn.
Interesting Fact About Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a great way to use up excess zucchinis from your garden. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a savory or sweet treat, and it's a delicious way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Zucchini Bread Recipe Economical?
This cheesy zucchini bread recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Zucchini is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the addition of eggs and cheese makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice. The use of simple, readily available ingredients ensures that this recipe is accessible to all. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, delicious taste, and nutritional value.
Is This Zucchini Bread Recipe Healthy?
This cheesy zucchini bread recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, zucchini is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The recipe also incorporates some protein from the eggs and cheese. However, the high amount of cheese used, particularly mozzarella and parmesan, significantly increases the saturated fat and sodium content. The cornstarch adds additional carbohydrates without much nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, especially the mozzarella, to lower the saturated fat and sodium content
- Replace some of the mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or a reduced-fat cheese blend
- Incorporate whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Add more vegetables to the recipe, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value
- Use a low-sodium marinara sauce or make your own sauce with fresh tomatoes and herbs to reduce the sodium content
- Experiment with using a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to lower the cholesterol content while maintaining the protein
Editor's Opinion on This Cheesy Zucchini Bread Recipe
The cheesy zucchini bread recipe is a delightful twist on traditional zucchini bread. The combination of zucchini, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a savory and satisfying flavor. The addition of garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick, while the marinara dipping sauce complements the bread perfectly. The texture is moist and tender, making it a perfect side dish or snack. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delicious and cheesy treat.
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Why trust this Zucchini Cheesy Bread Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for all zucchini lovers! The combination of fresh zucchini and savory mozzarella creates a delightful and satisfying bread. The use of garlic and oregano adds a burst of flavor, while the parmesan and cornstarch help bind everything together. The step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the final touch of marinara for dipping elevates the dish to a whole new level. Trust us, this cheesy zucchini bread will become a family favorite in no time!
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