Zucchini Cheddar & Beer Quick Bread

A Savory, No-Yeast Quick Bread Packed with Garden Zucchini, Sharp Cheddar, and Fresh Herbs

If you're looking for a new way to use up fresh garden zucchini, this Cheddar Zucchini Beer Bread is a recipe you'll want to make all season long. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this quick bread is prepared for baking in just minutes with no kneading/rising required. The beer creates a light, tender crumb, while sharp cheddar, fresh chives, garlic, and shredded zucchini add layers of savory flavor. It's the perfect side, simply toasted with a little butter, and it's a great snacking bread!

As a registered dietitian, I love finding creative ways to add vegetables to everyday recipes, and zucchini is one of my favorite ingredients to bake with. It naturally adds moisture while providing fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Pairing zucchini with flavorful ingredients like cheddar cheese and fresh herbs creates a balanced loaf that's hearty, satisfying, and a delicious way to make the most of your summer harvest.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Enjoy a warm slice alongside a bowl of soup, serve it with grilled meats at your next cookout, or toast leftovers for breakfast with a fried egg on top. It also freezes really well, making it a great recipe to prepare when your garden is producing more zucchini than you can use. Whether you're harvesting zucchini from your own backyard or were gifted one by a generous neighbor, this savory beer bread is a flavorful way to put every last bit to good use.

Yield: 1 loaf

Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 c flour

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1 c sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 c finely grated zucchini (no need to peel)

• 2 Tbsp fresh chopped chives

• 2 Tbsp honey

• 12 oz beer (I use lite beer)

• 2 Tbsp butter, divided

• Sea salt, to taste

  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until combined.

3. Add in cheese, zucchini, chives, and honey. Pour in the beer (try to pour slowly so that you can avoid creating excessive foam!) Stir until combined.

   

4. Grease a loaf pan. Add in the batter. Pour 2 Tbsp melted butter over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   

5. Remove from oven. Melt 1-2 Tbsp butter and brush over the top. Finish with flakey sea salt, if desired. Enjoy!