Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up that summer zucchini, you’re in for a treat! My Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is not just any quick bread; it’s a delightful surprise packed with flavor and moisture. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh green onions creates a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish at family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

This quick bread is truly special because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels homemade and heartwarming. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast the next day, this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread will quickly become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this bread in the oven before you know it!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy flavor and soft texture.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at dinner.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a loaf ahead of time, and it stays delicious for days.
• Zucchini Goodness: Sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is easy! You’ll find that they are wholesome and straightforward—perfect for creating something delicious without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on what you have at home or what flavors you love. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile.
• Use different cheese: Swap out sharp cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for added spice.
• Incorporate other veggies: Try adding grated carrots or bell peppers alongside the zucchini.

How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because it ensures even cooking throughout your loaf. While the oven heats up, gather your mixing bowls and prepare your ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Let this sit for about five minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency which adds moisture to your bread. Then whisk in the egg and melted butter until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Then fold in the shredded zucchini, grated cheese, and chopped green onions until evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it warm or at room temperature—either way, I promise you’ll love every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Making this quick bread is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make it even better!

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini will have the best flavor and moisture content. Look for firm, unblemished zucchinis to ensure your bread turns out delicious.

• Grate the Cheese Yourself: Grating your own sharp cheddar cheese instead of using pre-packaged shredded cheese elevates the flavor and ensures better melting, resulting in a gooey, cheesy texture.

• Let the Batter Rest: Allowing your batter to sit for about 5 minutes before pouring it into the baking dish gives the baking powder time to activate, creating a lighter and fluffier loaf.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bread by adding ingredients like fresh herbs or diced bell peppers. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrition.

• Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is not just tasty; it’s also visually appealing! Present it warm from the oven or at room temperature on a lovely platter. You can slice it thickly for a hearty serving or thinly for more delicate bites.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Creamy spread: Serve with a dollop of herb-infused cream cheese or hummus on the side to complement the savory flavors of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides freshness that balances out the richness of the bread.

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair your quick bread with roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory notes of the bread.

• Soup: A bowl of vegetable soup makes for a cozy combination. The warmth and heartiness of soup alongside your quick bread create a comforting meal perfect for any day.

Enjoy every slice of this delicious Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread! Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Its delightful flavor only gets better as it sits, making it a fantastic addition to your meal planning.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the bread where it can last for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

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

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

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

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as oven times can vary!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can enhance your quick bread by adding finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even corn for added texture and flavor.

Is this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread suitable for kids?

Definitely! This bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from zucchini, making it a wholesome option that kids usually love.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to sneak some veggies into your diet while enjoying a comforting treat. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—either way, you’re in for a delightful experience! Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!