Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted but not scorching hot
Add-ins
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use aged, stinky cheddar for best flavor)
- 3 tablespoons chives, chopped
- 1.5 cups shredded zucchini, squeezed of excess water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking your zucchini bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg until fully blended. Then add the melted butter to this mixture and whisk again until thoroughly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Cheese, Zucchini, and Chives: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded zucchini (with excess moisture squeezed out), and chopped chives evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a cooling rack to remove it from the loaf pan. Let it cool for an additional 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your savory zucchini cheddar bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out excess water from the shredded zucchini to prevent sogginess in the bread.
- Using aged sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor significantly; avoid mild cheddar for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Optional: Add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika for added flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American