This Quick Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread is a fun twist on traditional bread! It’s fluffy, cheesy, and packed with fresh herbs, all made easy with beer. Who knew bread could be this simple?
Honestly, what’s not to love? The cheesy goodness and the hint of zucchini make it super tasty. I always enjoy having a warm slice with butter—it’s a simple pleasure that never gets old! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of this bread. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead, but the texture may vary slightly.
Baking Powder: This is essential for leavening your bread. If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, but be mindful of the ratios!
Beer: Any light lager or ale works well for this recipe. For a non-alcoholic substitute, you can use soda water or a non-alcoholic beer. Just remember that the flavor may change slightly.
Zucchini: Fresh grated zucchini is fantastic for adding moisture! If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots could also work, but the final flavor will be different!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for variety.
How Do I Get My Bread to Rise Perfectly?
Getting that perfect rise is key for a great beer bread. Make sure your baking powder is fresh; it should fizz when mixed with a liquid. Don’t overmix the batter, as that can lead to dense bread—mix just until combined!
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining.
- Pour in your beer and blend gently to keep some air in the batter.
- Bake immediately after mixing, as the leavening action starts right away with the baking powder.
These small tips will help ensure your bread comes out light and fluffy every time! Enjoy baking!
Quick Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (such as parsley, thyme, oregano)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 12 ounces (1 can or bottle) beer (lager or ale works well)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and mix everything together. After that, bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. All in all, it’s a quick and enjoyable process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to make sure your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is combined evenly.
3. Add Cheese and Zucchini:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated zucchini. Make sure to squeeze any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it; we want to keep the bread fluffy!
4. Combine with Beer:
Now it’s time to pour in the beer! Mix gently until everything is just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—an occasional lump is totally fine!
5. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. If you like, brush the top with melted butter for a delicious golden crust.
6. Bake and Cool:
Put the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
Finally, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. You can enjoy it warm with a dab of butter—so tasty!
Now dig into your warm, cheesy zucchini herb beer bread! It’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQ for Quick Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that the bread will be denser. You might also need to add a little extra water or beer to reach the desired consistency.
How Can I Store Leftover Beer Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months!
What Can I Use Instead of Beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with sparkling water, club soda, or non-alcoholic beer. These options will still give your bread some lift and keep it moist.
How Do I Keep the Zucchini from Making the Bread Too Wet?
Squeeze out as much excess moisture from the grated zucchini as possible before adding it to the batter. You can also lightly pat it dry with paper towels. This will help prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
