Description
Rustic zucchini cheddar cheese herb beer bread delivers a savory symphony of garden-fresh ingredients and hearty craft beer. Rich crumbs packed with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs promise comfort in each delectable slice you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle (12 oz or 355 ml) beer
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill) or 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Finishing Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Fold the shredded zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and selected herbs into the dry mixture, gently incorporating them to create a vibrant, textured base.
- Carefully pour the beer into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are just combined. The batter will appear slightly lumpy and thick – resist the urge to overmix.
- Smoothly transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface that will promote uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the top with melted butter to enhance color and add a rich, glossy finish.
- Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling, which helps set the internal structure.
- Slice and serve the bread while slightly warm, complementing soups, stews, or enjoying as a standalone savory treat.
Notes
- Customize the beer choice to enhance flavor profiles, with hoppy IPAs adding bitterness or light lagers providing a milder taste.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- Use low-fat cheddar or plant-based cheese to reduce overall calorie and fat content while maintaining delicious taste.
- Grate zucchini and gently squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy bread texture and ensure a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg