This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is the definition of savory comfort, marrying the mellow, grassy sweetness of zucchini with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh pops of green onion. It’s the kind of quick bread recipe that’s just as at home on a weekend brunch table as it is beside a big pot of soup on a busy weeknight. The best part? You barely need to plan ahead, since the batter comes together in minutes—no yeast or waiting required! Every bite sings with cheesy goodness, making it impossible to resist.

Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this quick bread pulls its weight for flavor, texture, and golden color. Here’s what you’ll need, with some handy tips so each part shines its brightest in your loaf.

Zucchini: Adds natural moisture and a subtle sweet flavor—don’t skip squeezing out extra liquid for the perfect crumb.
Plain white flour: Provides the structure the bread needs while staying nice and tender.
Baking powder: Gives plenty of lift and ensures lightness in every slice.
Baking soda: Teams up with the buttermilk for deeper flavor and a cute dome top.
Table salt: Balances sweetness and makes all the savory flavors pop.
Milk (2%, whole, or nonfat): You can choose your favorite, but a little fat adds richness—this becomes the base of your quick homemade buttermilk.
White or apple cider vinegar: Just a splash curdles the milk, adding tang and tenderizing the crumb.
Large egg: Helps bind everything and gives your loaf a lovely texture.
Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses every bite with richness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The real hero for savory flavor—use sharp cheddar for the best punch.
Green onions, chopped: Lively color and oniony flavor, offering a fresh contrast to all that gooey cheese.

How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Zucchini

Start by getting your oven nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C). Spray your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray—you don’t want any cheesy bits sticking after all your hard work! Now, wrap your shredded zucchini in a paper towel and gently squeeze. You’re not trying to dry it out completely; just take away enough liquid so the bread stays moist, not soggy. About a tablespoon squeezed out is perfect.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a good whisk or stir, making sure those leaveners are evenly scattered throughout. This step sets you up for a fluffy bread that rises evenly in the oven.

Step 3: Create Buttermilk and Mix Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, pour in your milk and vinegar. Let this sit for a minute or so while you prep the rest; the vinegar curdles the milk just enough to give you a speedy homemade buttermilk. Whisk in the melted butter and the egg until the mixture is silky smooth. I swear, using room-temperature ingredients here makes the loaf even loftier.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

It’s time to bring everyone together! Dump the buttermilk mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or big spoon to gently fold everything together until just combined. To keep your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread light, avoid overmixing. The batter will look a little lumpy and that’s exactly right.

Step 5: Add Zucchini, Cheese, and Green Onions

Now for the fun part! Fold in your squeezed zucchini, grated cheddar, and chopped green onions. Mix only until everything’s just incorporated—this way, you’ll get pockets of cheese and onion in every slice. If you’re a pepper lover, now’s a good time to add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper for an extra savory kick.

Step 6: Bake and Cool the Bread

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and give it a gentle smooth-over on top. Slide it into the oven and bake for about one hour. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack. That brief rest makes sure your loaf comes out in one piece and slices up beautifully.

How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread, a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or a shower of grated cheddar right after baking does wonders. A light brush of melted butter on top takes it from just-baked to showstopper, and you could even scatter a pinch of flaky salt or cracked black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This bread is the ultimate sidekick for hearty soups and stews—think creamy tomato basil, potato leek, or a classic chicken noodle. It also elevates a simple salad or makes a comforting breakfast alongside scrambled eggs. Add it to a cheese and charcuterie board for a rustic twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Treat this bread like a star! Slice it thick and toast it under the broiler for melty, cheesy croutons to serve with salads or soups. For parties, cut the loaf into bite-size cubes, then skewer them for easy appetizers. You can even transform leftovers into grilled cheese by sandwiching slices together with more cheddar and browning in a skillet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread fresh, wrap any leftover slices or the whole loaf well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. A quick toast will revive its fresh-from-the-oven flavor and texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully, making it a great addition to meal prep or for unexpected guests. Just wrap cooled slices individually or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring that freshly baked warmth back, reheat slices in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and golden. If you’re reheating a larger portion, wrap it in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. The cheese melts perfectly again, and the bread regains its irresistible aroma.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?

You can swap up to half the white flour for whole wheat to add a nutty flavor and a bit more nutrition. Keep in mind: the bread will be a little denser, so don’t replace all the flour unless you like a heartier loaf.

Do I have to drain the zucchini thoroughly?

No need to wring the zucchini dry—just squeeze out a tablespoon or so of liquid. Leaving some moisture helps keep the Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread tender and prevents it from turning out crumbly or dry.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch, but freshly grated cheddar melts better and packs more flavor. Pre-shredded varieties sometimes have anti-caking agents that can make the bread a little less moist and cohesive.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Finely diced red bell pepper, cooked and chopped spinach, or even some corn kernels can be folded in along with the zucchini, green onion, and cheddar. Just keep the total added veggies under two cups so the bread stays firm and sliceable.

How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly coat your pan with non-stick spray before adding the batter. You can also line the bottom with a strip of parchment for extra insurance, especially if you want to lift the whole loaf out for a pretty presentation.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s the kind of simple yet soul-satisfying loaf that brightens any meal. Grab your zucchini, a handful of green onions, and your favorite sharp cheddar—then sit back and enjoy every warm, cheesy slice. Don’t be surprised if it disappears long before dinnertime!

Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a delightful savory bread that combines the freshness of zucchini, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the mild bite of green onions. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a tasty snack!

Ingredients

Shredded Zucchini:

1 1/2 cups

Plain White Flour:

2 cups

Baking Powder:

2 tsp

Baking Soda:

1/2 tsp

Table Salt: