Description
This Zucchini Cheddar Cheese Herb Beer Bread is a savory and moist quick bread combining sharp cheddar cheese, fresh grated zucchini, and fragrant chives, all enhanced by the subtle bitterness of an IPA beer. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side with dinner, this easy one-bowl recipe produces a golden, flavorful loaf with a tender crumb and a deliciously cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Granulated Garlic
Add-ins
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, Grated (Preferably Sharp)
- 3/4 cup Zucchini, Grated
- 3 tablespoons Chives, Chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 12 ounces Favorite Beer (1 1/2 cups; Local IPA recommended)
- 3 tablespoons Butter, Melted (plus more for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated garlic until evenly combined and aerated.
- Add Cheese, Zucchini, and Herbs: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated zucchini, and chopped chives, ensuring these are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Add Honey and Beer: Drizzle the honey over the mixture, then pour in the beer. Gently stir everything together until just combined into a thick batter; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare and Butter Pan: Butter a 9″x5″x3″ loaf pan generously to prevent sticking. Transfer the batter into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the top of the batter with the melted butter to help develop a golden, flavorful crust during baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 55-70 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the zucchini cheddar beer bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, run a knife along the edges to release the loaf before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture if very watery.
- Choose a beer with moderate bitterness like an IPA to complement the cheese and herbs.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Brush with butter before baking for a richer crust and appealing color.
- This bread can be stored wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Serve warm or toasted with additional butter or a spread of your choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American