This Cheesy Herb Squash Bread is a warm, tasty treat! With its cheesy goodness and hints of fresh herbs, it’s perfect for everyone who loves comfort food.
Baking this bread makes your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I love serving it warm with a little butter—it’s a hit at every meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Squash: Zucchini and yellow squash both work well here. If you can’t find either, you can substitute with finely shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach for a different flavor.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, feta, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a vegan yogurt or applesauce for moisture.
Fresh Herbs: While fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of flavor, you can also use a sprinkle of dried herbs if fresh is not available. Just reduce the quantity by half!
How Do You Get the Right Texture in Your Bread?
Getting the right texture is key for a perfect Cheesy Herb Squash Bread. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Make sure you remove excess moisture from the shredded squash. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. A clean kitchen towel works great!
- When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, fold gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so mix just until combined.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!
Letting the bread cool properly before slicing allows it to set and makes slicing much easier.
How to Make Cheesy Herb Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 medium zucchini or yellow squash (about 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup olive oil or melted butter
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy herb squash bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for cooling before slicing. Altogether, you’ll be ready to enjoy this delicious bread in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Prepare the Squash:
Wash and shred your squash using a box grater or a food processor. To remove any excess moisture, place the shredded squash in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it out gently. This step is important for keeping your bread from becoming soggy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s evenly coated with the flour mixture. This helps keep the cheese distributed throughout the bread as it bakes.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the olive oil (or melted butter), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and minced garlic if you’re using it. This will give the bread a lovely flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread light and fluffy!
7. Add Squash and Herbs:
Gently fold in the shredded squash and, if you like, add fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor. Just mix until everything is combined evenly.
8. Pour into Pan:
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s excellent on its own or with a little butter. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Herb Squash Bread!
Can I Substitute the Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on the flavor strength of the cheese you choose.
How Do I Know When the Bread Is Done Baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Baking time can vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
