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Cheddar Zucchini Bread with Chives Recipe

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4.4 from 5 reviews

This savory Zucchini Bread recipe combines shredded zucchini, sharp aged cheddar cheese, and fresh chives into a moist, flavorful quick bread. Perfect as a snack or a side, this bread brings a delightful twist to traditional zucchini bread with a cheesy, herbaceous punch. Baked to golden perfection in about an hour, it’s an easy-to-make treat that showcases the freshness of summer zucchini with a sharp cheddar kick.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking your zucchini bread.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American