Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a scrumptious and easy recipe that brightens up any meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how wonderfully moist and flavorful it was. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying, or at family gatherings where everyone will want seconds.

This recipe is not just about ease; it’s also about bringing everyone together over a warm, cheesy loaf. With fresh zucchini and sharp cheddar, this quick bread strikes a delightful balance between savory and comforting. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, and it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in!
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, breakfast treat, or snack with your favorite spread.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week; it stores beautifully!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of green onions and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible taste you’ll crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the joy of making this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this delightful recipe.

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

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Add Herbs: Toss in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try using different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick that takes this bread to another level.
• Make It Whole Grain: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your bread will bake evenly and rise beautifully!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent your delicious bread from sticking when it’s done baking!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, vinegar, egg, and melted butter. Whisk them together until they are well blended. This mixture adds moisture to our bread while creating that lovely tender texture we all love.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fold in Zucchini and Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into your wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep our bread light and airy!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen—just wait until you see how golden-brown and inviting it looks!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let your quick bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allowing it to cool slightly makes slicing easier—and trust me; you’ll want to dig in right away!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread at any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Making this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can make it even better!

• Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and flavor. Opt for firm, vibrant green zucchinis for the best results.

• Don’t skip the vinegar: Adding vinegar to your milk creates a homemade buttermilk effect, which results in a lighter texture and enhances the bread’s flavor.

• Grate cheese yourself: Grating sharp cheddar cheese from a block gives better melting qualities compared to pre-grated cheese, resulting in a more flavorful quick bread.

• Mix gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so be gentle!

• Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing your bread to cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making slicing easier and preventing it from crumbling.

How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy this tasty treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness on top.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors and add richness.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the savory flavors of the bread perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that pair beautifully with the richness of cheddar.
• Soup: Consider serving your quick bread with a warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
• Hummus or Dip: A side of hummus or your favorite veggie dip provides an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite exciting.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread will shine as both a delightful snack and an impressive addition to any meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks or for sharing with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
• To maintain its texture, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The quick bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
• For a quick warm-up, pop slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other types of cheese in Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.

How do I know when my Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is done baking?

The bread is ready when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice it browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can incorporate grated carrots, bell peppers, or even herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and nutrition.

What can I serve with my Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread?

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack. You can also spread some butter or herb cream cheese on top!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread a try! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as part of your meal prep for the week, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!