This Cheesy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a tasty treat! It’s soft, cheesy, and packed with flavors from herbs and squash. Perfect for any meal or just snacking!
I love how the melted cheddar makes every bite irresistible! Plus, it’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s designed for baking to get the right texture.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer something less intense. Mozzarella or pepper jack are fun substitutes too for different tastes!
Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Shredded zucchini is my go-to, but yellow squash works just as well. If you want to change it up, shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach could substitute nicely.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a lighter alternative, you could use cottage cheese blended until smooth. Yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang, so keep that in mind when substituting.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and oregano are favorites, but feel free to use mixed Italian herbs or even fresh basil for a different flavor profile. Just chop finely to spread that flavor evenly!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Your Cheesy Bread?
The secret to achieving a soft and moist bread lies in the mixing technique. Start by combining dry ingredients, then fold in the wet ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Make sure to preheat your oven! This helps the bread rise properly.
- When mixing, stop as soon as everything is combined. Some lumps are okay.
- Let the bread cool for a bit before slicing. This helps retain moisture!
The final texture should be soft and light with cheesy bits throughout—so don’t rush the process!
Cheesy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini or yellow squash (packed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time, making it about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes in total. Once it cools, you’ll be ready to enjoy your homemade cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. This will be the base of your bread.
3. Add the Squash and Cheese:
Next, fold in the shredded zucchini (or squash) and the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture so that every bite has cheesy goodness!
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), milk, and vegetable oil (or melted butter). This will add moisture and richness to your bread.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together just until combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can lead to a dense texture!
6. Add Fresh Parsley:
If you’re using fresh parsley, fold it in now for an extra pop of flavor!
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Enjoy!
Serve this wonderful cheesy herb squash bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or just a bit of butter for a delicious snack!
This bread also freezes well, so you can enjoy it later too!
FAQ about Cheesy Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Can I Substitute Fresh Herbs with Dried Herbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini or Yellow Squash?
No problem! You can substitute about 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots or even cooked, mashed sweet potato. Just make sure to adjust the moisture content if needed; excess moisture can affect the texture of the bread.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your bread a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You may want to slightly increase the liquid in the recipe (add an extra tablespoon or two of milk) to help maintain moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying again!
