There’s something absolutely magical about baking a loaf of Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread: the aroma fills your entire kitchen, the crust turns golden, and the cheesy ribbons swirl beautifully through every moist, veggie-packed slice. This hearty bread is the best kind of versatile—you can serve it with a bowl of soup, bring it to a potluck, or simply toast leftovers for a comforting breakfast. If you’ve never tried making a quick bread that’s savory instead of sweet, this is the perfect introduction. It brings together fresh zucchini, sharp cheddar, and green onions for irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.

Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread has a delicious part to play! Fresh veggies, creamy dairy, and classic baking staples work together for a loaf you’ll want to make on repeat. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient deserves its spot in your kitchen.

Zucchini (1 1/2 cups, grated): Brings moisture and sneaky nutrition to every slice; don’t skip squeezing it out for the perfect texture.
All-purpose white flour (2 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing structure while keeping it tender.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise tall and light instead of dense.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the vinegar to create extra lift and a tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors packed into this loaf.
Milk (1 cup; 2% recommended): Moistens and binds the batter; use any kind you have, but 2% creates a lovely richness.
Vinegar (1 tablespoon, white or apple cider): Quickly turns your milk into buttermilk for tangy flavor and better texture.
Egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds that tender, cake-y bite.
Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the bread stay moist.
Sharp cheddar (1 1/2 cups, grated): Melts into gooey pockets and gives the bread its irresistible, cheesy identity.
Green onions (2, chopped): Add a punch of color and a gentle, fresh onion flavor that brightens each bite.

How to Make Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and generously coat a 9 x 5-inch bread pan with nonstick spray. This step guarantees an easy release once your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread has baked up golden and gorgeous.

Step 2: Squeeze the Zucchini

Place your grated zucchini in a clean paper towel or kitchen towel and give it a firm—but not aggressive—squeeze. Aim to get rid of just a tablespoon or two of excess moisture. You want the bread moist, but not soggy!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your largest bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Even distribution is key for a loaf that bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 4: Create the Buttermilk Mixture

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the milk and vinegar; let it sit for a minute while the magic happens (hello, quick homemade buttermilk!). Whisk in the melted butter and the egg until smooth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just barely combined. Over-mixing is the enemy here—you want to keep things light and airy for a tender Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Step 6: Add the Good Stuff (Zucchini, Cheddar, and Onions)

Tip in the grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Fold them in gently until the mix is evenly distributed but don’t overwork the batter.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Scoop your thick, hearty batter into the prepared bread pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for about one hour, until the loaf is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out to cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing while still warm means you’ll get extra-melty cheese in every bite!

How to Serve Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes

Want to dress up your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread? A little bit of softened butter, a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions, or even a little pinch of flaky sea salt over the top really highlights all those fresh, cheesy flavors.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a steaming bowl of soup, a crisp garden salad, or served as a snack with a spread of creamy cheeses and sliced veggies. It’s especially amazing as a dunker for tomato soup or chili on chilly evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the bread into cubes for a party platter or use thick slices as the base for open-faced breakfast sandwiches with eggs and avocado. It also makes a terrific addition to a brunch buffet or picnic basket.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature, and a day longer in the fridge if needed.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. The bread keeps beautifully for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temp or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked vibe, pop a slice in the toaster or wrap it in foil and warm in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the melty cheese and soft crumb, making leftover Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread just as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this bread?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the classic punchy flavor, feel free to experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for your own twist on Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Do I have to peel the zucchini first?

No need to peel! Most of the nutrients are in the skin, and you’ll love the pretty green flecks it adds. Just wash, grate, and squeeze.

My bread didn’t rise much. What went wrong?

Often, over-mixing or old baking powder/soda is to blame. Stir your batter just until combined, and always check that your leaveners are fresh for a fluffy loaf.

Can I make Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend if needed. The bread stays tender and flavorful—just check your baking time, as it might vary slightly.

Is it okay to use buttermilk instead of milk and vinegar?

Go right ahead! If you have buttermilk on hand, use it in place of the milk and vinegar combination. It’s a welcome shortcut that adds even more tang and tenderness to Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a foolproof way to use up summer zucchini or just want a crave-worthy new baking project, this Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is begging for a spot in your kitchen. Treat yourself (and everyone around you) to a loaf, and don’t be surprised if it disappears before your very eyes!