This quick bread is a fun mix of zucchini, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a splash of beer. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or snack!
I love how easy this recipe is! Just mix, pour, and bake. The smell of baking bread fills the kitchen, and it’s hard not to sneak a piece! You might just find it disappears fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base for your bread, it gives structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
Baking Powder: This is what makes the bread rise. If you’re out, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini keeps the bread moist. If you can’t find zucchini, you can also use grated carrots or even squash. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds great flavor. If you want a milder taste, use medium cheddar or try other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or gouda.
Beer: Beer adds flavor and helps the bread rise. Non-alcoholic beer or a sparkling water can be great substitutes if you want to avoid alcohol.
How Do I Make Sure My Beer Bread Rises Properly?
Getting your beer bread to rise well is simple with a few key practices. First, ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won’t give you the lift you want.
- Combine your dry ingredients well before adding the wet ones. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder.
- Be gentle when mixing in the beer. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so just combine until everything is moistened.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the bread rise rapidly in the hot oven.
Following these tips will help achieve a light and fluffy beer bread that everyone will love!
Easy Zucchini Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or Italian herb blend
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 12 ounces (1 bottle or can) beer (lager or ale works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need to bake it for around 45–55 minutes. Total time from start to enjoying a slice is about 1 hour, so it’s a quick and satisfying bread to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and thyme. Stir these together until well mixed. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.
3. Adding Cheese and Zucchini:
Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated zucchini into the dry mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed so every slice has some cheesy goodness and moisture from the zucchini!
4. Combining with Beer:
Pour in the beer and gently mix everything together until just combined. The batter will be thick and might be a little lumpy, but that’s okay! Just be careful not to overmix; that could lead to a dense loaf.
5. Transferring to the Pan:
Now it’s time to transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, which will help it bake evenly.
6. Adding the Finishing Touch:
Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top of the batter before baking — this will give the crust a beautiful golden color and extra flavor!
7. Baking to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 45–55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should also look golden brown.
8. Cooling Time:
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help it set a bit more. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your delicious zucchini cheddar herb beer bread and enjoy it as a savory snack or serve it alongside your favorite soups and salads. It’s sure to be a hit!
This bread is moist and flavorful, with the zucchini adding subtle moisture and the cheddar providing a tasty sharpness. The combination of herbs and garlic makes it wonderfully aromatic, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the bread may turn out denser. To help with texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a balanced result.
How Should I Store Leftover Beer Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep it fresh longer. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cooked bacon, chopped herbs, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture levels to maintain the bread’s consistency.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Beer Bread?
To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the bread moist. Alternatively, you can microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds, but the texture may not be as great compared to oven reheating.
