If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming humble zucchini and sharp cheddar into something magical, Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is about to become your favorite kitchen triumph. This loaf bursts with cheesy goodness, fresh green flecks, and that deeply satisfying aroma you only get when baking savory bread from scratch. Whether you’re a longtime quick bread enthusiast or trying this style for the first time, you’ll fall hard for its moist crumb, golden crust, and the irresistible promise of just-one-more-slice. Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread isn’t just perfect as a side, snack, or lunchbox treat — it’s a recipe you’ll want to share (but may secretly want to keep all for yourself).

Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy or fancy here — just a thoughtfully chosen lineup of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that iconic cheesy swirl. These basics come together for seriously delicious results.

All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for the bread’s tender, soft crumb.
Baking powder: Gives your loaf a lovely lift for a perfectly domed top.
Baking soda: Adds extra rise and keeps things light.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the savory flavors.
Garlic powder: Offers subtle, aromatic zing without overpowering the star ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a little sparkle and warmth to each bite.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness.
Olive oil: Brings moisture, depth, and soft texture — plus unbeatable Mediterranean flavor.
Milk: Ensures the batter is just the right consistency and adds a hint of creaminess.
Grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out): Makes the bread super moist and keeps it tasting fresh, not soggy.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided): The bold, melty star that fills every bite with cheesy delight.
Chopped fresh chives or green onions: Lend bright color and a gentle oniony zip that pairs perfectly with cheddar.

How to Make Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best rise and texture. Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper if you love easy cleanup and perfect edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This ensures an even distribution of leaveners and spices, so every bite is bursting with balanced flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, and milk until wonderfully smooth and combined. This step builds your batter’s moist, luscious base and helps everything mix together perfectly later on.

Step 4: Add Zucchini, Cheese, and Herbs

Stir the grated zucchini (make sure you’ve squeezed out any excess moisture!), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped chives or green onions into your egg mixture. This trio gives your bread color, flavor, and irresistible richness.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just barely combined. Don’t worry about a few streaks — overmixing is the enemy of light, tender quick bread!

Step 6: Top and Bake

Transfer that gorgeous batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese generously over the batter for a golden, melty crust. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Let your Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. The wait will be the hardest part, but it locks in moisture for perfect slices every time!

How to Serve Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread

Garnishes

Just before serving, try a sprinkle of extra chopped chives, a dusting of fresh cracked pepper, or a light brush of melted butter across the warm loaf for extra shine and indulgence. Each finishing touch complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread is incredibly versatile! Pair thick slices with a bowl of tomato soup, toss it alongside a fresh green salad, or serve with scrambled eggs at brunch. The cheesy, herby notes play well with countless main courses and sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread horizontally for show-stopping sandwich bread — try filling with turkey, roasted veggies, or even a classic BLT. Or cut into cubes and crisp in the oven for the best salad croutons you’ve ever tasted.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to five days (simply bring slices to room temp or warm them before serving for best texture).

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly with plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread freezes beautifully for up to two months — perfect for quick snacks or lunchboxes.

Reheating

Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 325°F until just heated through to revive that fresh-baked texture. A little pat of butter on a warm slice absolutely takes it over the top!

FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash is a great substitute and works much the same as zucchini, bringing similar moisture and subtle flavor to the loaf.

How do I prevent my bread from turning soggy?

The key is squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini before mixing it in. A clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth works wonders for this job.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to shred zucchini for this recipe?

A standard box grater makes the perfect textured shreds. Use the medium or coarse side to avoid mushy bits, and always measure after squeezing out any excess moisture.

Is it possible to make Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread muffins?

Definitely! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and a tester comes out clean. They make a fabulous portable snack.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste how this Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread brightens up meals and snack times alike. It’s the kind of irresistible, homemade treat that brings folks running to the kitchen as soon as it hits the oven. Go ahead, try it for yourself, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread is a delicious and cheesy twist on traditional zucchini bread. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives, it’s perfect for a savory breakfast or as a side to your favorite soup or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, and milk until well combined. Stir in the zucchini, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and chives.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the batter. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon to the batter.
This bread is best served warm with butter but also makes excellent sandwich slices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Bread, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American