There’s something inherently comforting about homemade bread. After a long day, the warmth and aroma of freshly baked goods can soothe the soul. One delightful option that has stood the test of time is the Old Fashioned Parmesan Zucchini Bread. This recipe, with its unique blend of flavors, reminds us of simpler days filled with nourishing meals shared among loved ones.
The beauty of this Parmesan zucchini bread lies in its key ingredients. You’ll find 2 cups of grated zucchini, which adds moisture and a slight sweetness to the bread. Combining that with 1 cup of all-purpose flour offers a delicious base. The 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese introduces savory notes, while the 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of milk ensure a rich and tender crumb. The inclusion of 2 large eggs helps bind everything together, while the perfect pinch of baking powder, baking soda, salt, and seasonings like garlic powder and dried oregano rounds out the flavor profile. This bread is not just good; it’s an absolute delight.
Making this bread is quite simple and approachable for all skill levels. First, you’ll start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. In a large bowl, mix the zucchini, flour, cheese, oil, milk, and eggs until they’re well combined. Meanwhile, whisk together your baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in another bowl. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, pour the batter into the loaf pan, and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. After allowing it to cool, you will have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy.
This bread is a wonderful choice for many occasions—it’s perfect for family dinners or even for a cozy morning breakfast. Imagine sharing a slice warm from the oven with butter melting into its golden crust. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks or when you want to impress friends with a delightful, homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Parmesan Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: Every ingredient is easy to find and often already in your pantry.
- Nurturing Comfort Food: The combination of zucchini and Parmesan creates rich, comforting flavors.
- Versatile: It makes a great side dish, snack, or even breakfast item.
- Great for Sharing: This bread is easy to slice and share, perfect for gatherings.
Zucchini Tips
Choosing the right zucchini can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your bread. Look for medium-sized zucchini—they tend to have fewer seeds and a firmer texture, which results in a nicer loaf. If you have larger zucchini, make sure to scoop out the seeds before grating. Always wash the zucchini thoroughly, as you’ll be using the skin, which offers excellent nutrients and flavor.
Options for Substitutions
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use Parmesan cheese alternatives like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil if you’re looking for a different fat option.
- Use plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk for a dairy-free version.
- Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for vegan bread.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an interesting flavor twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is not wringing out the grated zucchini. Too much moisture can make your bread soggy. Before adding it to the mixture, make sure to squeeze out some of the excess water using a clean kitchen towel.
Additionally, be mindful of your baking time. Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark; use a toothpick to test for a clean center. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep a close eye as it bakes.
Finally, mixing the wet and dry ingredients too vigorously can lead to dense bread. Stir gently until just combined for a light and fluffy loaf.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Parmesan Zucchini Bread Recipe?
This Parmesan zucchini bread pairs wonderfully with a simple salad topped with a light vinaigrette. It also complements a bowl of warm soup, such as tomato or minestrone, perfectly. For a pleasant brunch option, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your zucchini bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For a crispier exterior, warm it in a skillet over medium heat.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 8 slices
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients): Approximately 300-350 calories, 12-15 grams of protein, 18-20 grams of fat, and 30-35 grams of carbohydrates.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help your bread release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, milk, and eggs. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Make sure they are evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Carefully add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread dense.
Step 5: Pour in Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even surface, which helps with even baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In conclusion, the Old Fashioned Parmesan Zucchini Bread is not only an easy recipe to follow, but it is also a delicious and versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying during a quiet moment, this bread will surely become a favorite. I encourage you to try it out and share your thoughts or any tweaks you make to the recipe! Explore the world of baking, and happy cooking!
Print
Old Fashioned Parmesan Zucchini Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting homemade zucchini bread infused with Parmesan cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
- Combine the grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, milk, and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano in another bowl.
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Be cautious not to overmix to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg