Description
Savory zucchini cheddar cheese herb beer bread blends rustic ingredients for a hearty home-baked treat. Rustic flavors meld together, creating a comforting companion you’ll want to slice and share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 bottle (12 oz or 355 ml) beer
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill) or 1 tsp dried herbs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsps melted butter (for brushing the top)
Instructions
- Preparation: Elevate oven temperature to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease or parchment paper for effortless bread release.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform seasoning distribution.
- Flavor Infusion: Gently fold shredded zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and selected herbs into the dry mixture, creating a vibrant and textured base that promises rich flavor complexity.
- Liquid Integration: Pour beer into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are just combined, embracing the slightly lumpy and thick batter’s rustic character.
- Pan Transformation: Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to guarantee even baking and a perfect rise.
- Baking Alchemy: Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Final Touch: Immediately brush the hot bread’s surface with melted butter, creating a glossy, appetizing finish that enhances both appearance and flavor.
- Cooling Ritual: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack, allowing the internal structure to set and flavors to stabilize.
- Serving Suggestion: Slice and serve slightly warm, perfect as an accompaniment to hearty soups, robust stews, or enjoyed independently as a savory culinary delight.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Gently squeeze excess liquid from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bread and maintain perfect texture.
- Beer Selection Matters: Choose a flavorful craft beer or ale that complements the sharp cheddar and herbs, enhancing overall bread complexity without overpowering other ingredients.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Stir batter minimally to avoid developing gluten, which can result in tough, dense bread – stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling Crucial: Let bread rest completely before slicing to allow internal structure to set, ensuring clean cuts and preventing crumbly texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg