If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your brunch table, snack board, or a delicious side dish to complement your soups and salads, this Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread is your perfect match. Moist, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this bread is easy to make and requires no special equipment. Just a few simple ingredients come together to create a bread that’s both savory and satisfying.
What Is Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread?
Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread is a type of bread that is full of flavor with the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The zucchini adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the bread, while the Parmesan brings a sharp, cheesy kick. With garlic powder and optional sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, this bread has layers of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, adding it to a brunch spread, or pairing it with a fresh salad, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Origin of Savory Quick Breads
Quick breads like this Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Bread have been around for centuries and are popular in many cultures. They are typically made without yeast, relying instead on leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder to help the bread rise. This method of bread-making is much faster and more straightforward than traditional bread, which requires kneading and rising time. While quick breads are often sweet, savory versions have gained popularity, especially in modern kitchens, as they pair wonderfully with a wide range of savory dishes.
The concept of incorporating vegetables into bread recipes is also nothing new. From carrot cake to zucchini bread, bakers have been adding vegetables to bread for generations. Zucchini, in particular, is a favorite because of its mild flavor and moisture content, which makes it a perfect addition to bread without overpowering other ingredients.
Ingredients for Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread
This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your bread, providing structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the bread rise, giving it a light texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder to create a perfect rise.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth and savory flavor to the bread.
- 2 large eggs – Provides moisture and binds the ingredients together.
- ½ cup olive oil – Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar) – The tangy buttermilk adds flavor and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry) – The star of the bread! Zucchini keeps the bread moist and adds a mild flavor.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a salty, cheesy kick.
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or scallions – Adds a mild onion flavor that complements the savory nature of the bread.
- Optional: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, chopped – These optional add-ins provide an extra layer of flavor if you desire.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or cooking spray. This will ensure the bread comes out easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. These ingredients need to be evenly distributed to ensure the bread rises properly and the garlic flavor is throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and buttermilk (or milk with vinegar if you’re using that substitution). Mix until smooth and combined. The wet ingredients will give the bread its moisture and richness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Zucchini, Parmesan, and Chives
Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, add in the grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and chives (and any optional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers). Gently fold these ingredients into the batter, making sure everything is evenly distributed. The zucchini should be squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture, which could make the bread too wet.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for a golden, cheesy crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the bread into pieces, and you’re ready to serve!
Variations of Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted in many ways. Here are some variations to consider:
- Herb Variations: You can swap the chives or scallions for other fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta for a different twist on this bread.
- Add More Veggies: While zucchini is the star of this bread, you can add other vegetables like grated carrots or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spicy Version: For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the batter.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes well! To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tsp of vinegar to substitute for buttermilk. The vinegar will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk and also help with the leavening.
3. How can I make the bread fluffier?
To make the bread fluffier, be sure not to overmix the batter. Stir gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients, and avoid pressing the zucchini too much when squeezing out the moisture.
4. How long does this bread last?
Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread lasts about 3–4 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
5. Can I add meat to this bread?
Absolutely! Adding cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage would give the bread a savory, hearty touch.
Conclusion
Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with a soup, salad, or just as a snack, this bread will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. With its moist texture, savory flavor, and the versatility to be customized to your liking, it’s a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So, why not try making this savory bread today? It’s simple, flavorful, and will impress anyone who tastes it!
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Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread is a type of bread that is full of flavor with the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The zucchini adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the bread, while the Parmesan brings a sharp, cheesy kick. With garlic powder and optional sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, this bread has layers of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, adding it to a brunch spread, or pairing it with a fresh salad, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
- Optional: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Combine & Fold: Add wet to dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in zucchini, Parmesan, chives, and any optional add-ins.
- Bake: Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Slice: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once fully cooled for clean edges.
Notes
This Savory Zucchini & Parmesan Quick Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Serve it warm with butter or a light spread, or pair it with soups and salads for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Zucchini Parmesan Bread, Savory Zucchini Bread, Quick Parmesan Bread
