This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is fluffy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Made with fresh squash and delicious herbs, it’s perfect for any meal.
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a yummy smell that even gets my neighbors curious! I love serving it warm with a pat of butter—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this bread, but you could use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Just note that this might change the bread’s flavor slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor! If you prefer a milder taste, go for medium cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Gouda.
Squash: Yellow squash gives a nice sweetness. If you have zucchini on hand, it works perfectly as a substitute. You could even mix the two if you’d like!
Sour Cream: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead. It’s just as creamy and adds a great tang to the bread!
How Do You Get Perfectly Baked Bread?
Getting your bread baked just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Preheat your oven! A hot oven is crucial for a fluffy rise.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This helps keep the texture light.
- A toothpick test is your best friend! Stick one in the center around the 50-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Let it cool in the pan before transferring it. This helps it set and not break apart when you remove it.
Enjoy the aroma and the delicious bread! It’s the little things like this that elevate everyday meals.
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated yellow squash (or zucchini)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before serving. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, thyme, and rosemary. This ensures all your leavening agents and herbs are well combined!
3. Add Cheese and Squash:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated squash. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so you can enjoy that cheesy goodness throughout the bread.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then mix in the olive oil (or melted butter), sour cream (or yogurt), milk, and honey (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until smooth.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your bread light and fluffy!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This gives it a nice shape as it bakes.
7. Bake:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know the bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bread and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a bit of butter or as a delicious side for soups and salads. Enjoy your homemade goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Since gluten-free flours can behave differently, adding a tablespoon of xanthan gum can help with texture if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
