Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about sinking your teeth into a slice of Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. This savory loaf is a whirlwind of flavors and textures: luscious strands of zucchini keep everything moist, tangy sharp cheddar melts into golden pockets, and the bite of fresh green onion leaves each piece bursting with personality. Whether you serve it warm with butter or as part of a weekend brunch, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to every season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread may seem humble, but every component plays a vital role in building its signature flavor and tender crumb. Let’s walk through these essentials and see how each one elevates the final loaf.

• Zucchini: Provides moisture, pops of green color, and a subtle sweet earthiness — just be sure to squeeze out a little water before adding!
• Plain white flour: Lays the foundation for our bread, giving it just the right amount of structure and softness.
• Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda to give the bread a beautiful lift and lightness.
• Baking soda: Ensures our bread rises evenly, responding to the acidity in the homemade buttermilk.
• Table salt: Enhances all the savory notes and balances the cheese and veggies.
• Milk (2%, whole, or nonfat): Adds creaminess and helps bind the batter without making it heavy.
• White or apple cider vinegar: Combines with milk for a quick buttermilk—essential for tenderness.
• Large egg: Acts as the glue, holding everything together and helping the bread rise.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Lends richness, depth, and that crave-worthy golden crust.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Infuses every bite with melty, savory flavor and a gorgeous orange swirl.
• Green onions, chopped: Add their unmistakable zing and a punch of color perfect for both eyes and palate.

How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Zucchini

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9 x 5 inch bread pan with non-stick spray. Wrap your shredded zucchini in a paper towel and gently squeeze — no need to press out every drop, just enough to remove about a tablespoon of liquid. This little prep step ensures your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread ends up moist, never soggy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give the mixture a good whisk to disperse the leaveners and salt — this helps your bread bake evenly and take on a tender, airy texture.

Step 3: Create Buttermilk and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and pour in the milk, then stir in your vinegar. Let it sit for a minute or two so it curdles into a makeshift buttermilk (don’t skip this — it’s a game changer for texture). Now whisk in the melted butter and egg until smooth. If you have a few extra minutes, let everything come to room temperature; your loaf will rise even higher in the oven.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour your wet milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a gentle folding motion to bring everything together — you want to stop as soon as the flour disappears. Mixing too much will make the bread tough, so less is more for this step!

Step 5: Add Zucchini, Cheese, and Green Onions

Fold in your squeezed zucchini, grated cheddar, and green onions, mixing just until everything looks evenly distributed. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of cracked black pepper! Now, scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling before slicing.

How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a pat of quality salted butter, a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley are also lovely ways to enhance both taste and appearance.

Side Dishes

Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread pairs effortlessly with creamy soups (think tomato, potato-leek, or butternut squash), crisp salads, or fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty, satisfying brunch. It brings savory charm to any meal, morning or night.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini loaves or muffins for a festive brunch board, or use thick slices to build flavorful sandwiches with roasted veggies or thinly shaved ham. Toasted and topped with herbed cream cheese, it’s perfect for inventive appetizers or snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate it to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and layer pieces between parchment paper in a zip-top bag or airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them into a toaster when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds per slice) or a few minutes in a low oven brings back the bread’s fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness. If you love a bit of crunch, toast slices lightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend will work well — just check if your mix contains xanthan gum, which helps replicate the structure of regular flour.

Do I have to peel the zucchini?

No peeling required! The skin is soft and blends right in, plus it adds color and extra nutrients to your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Definitely. Feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mild Swiss for a twist. Sharp cheddar is classic for its pronounced flavor, but other cheeses still deliver delightful results.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf — if it comes out clean or just with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. The top should be golden and the sides pulling away from the pan slightly.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Go for it! Chopped cooked bacon, jalapeños, or even a handful of toasted walnuts can add more personality to your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. Keep in mind not to overload the batter with extras to maintain the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Baking Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a small act of comfort that fills both kitchen and heart with savory aromas and homey warmth. Whether you make it for guests or simply to treat yourself, I can nearly guarantee you’ll want another slice. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if this quick bread becomes your next go-to recipe — it’s simply that satisfying!

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