Delicious Zucchini Parmesan Bread You’ll Love

Zucchini Parmesan Bread is a savory twist on the traditional zucchini bread. With a cheesy, herby flavor and a light, moist texture, this bread is the perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it as a side to a soup or enjoying it as a snack, this bread offers a savory alternative to the usual sweet zucchini bread.

What makes this Zucchini Parmesan Bread stand out is the combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and onion. These flavors bring out the richness of the zucchini while keeping it light and moist, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something cheesy, this bread is a sure crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is easy to make, uses basic pantry ingredients, and offers flexibility in terms of seasonings. Let’s dive into the details of making this wonderful savory bread.

Why Choose Zucchini Parmesan Bread?

Zucchini Parmesan Bread brings together some of the best savory flavors into a delightful, easy-to-make loaf. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the zucchini, this bread has a soft, tender crumb, and the Parmesan and garlic give it an irresistible savory flavor.
Quick and Easy: It’s a simple recipe that can be made in just over 50 minutes, making it a perfect option for those short on time.
Versatile: This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack with a tangy mustard yogurt spread.

Now that you know why this bread is so great, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients.

Ingredients for Zucchini Parmesan Bread

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to create this delicious loaf:

Zucchini: The key ingredient, zucchini brings moisture and texture to the bread. It also adds a mild flavor that complements the savory seasonings. Opt for medium-sized zucchinis for this recipe as they contain less water and are easier to work with than large ones.
Parmesan Cheese: A strong, savory cheese that adds depth and richness to the bread. Grated Parmesan works best in this recipe, giving it that distinctive cheesy flavor.
Cheese (optional): In addition to Parmesan, you can add other cheeses like Mozzarella, Cheddar, or even Pecorino to enhance the flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how cheesy you want the bread.
Butter: Used to give the bread a rich, moist texture. It also helps the bread brown and gives it a slight buttery flavor.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and help with the bread’s structure.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect bread batter consistency.
Self-raising Flour: This flour is essential for helping the bread rise. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and add baking powder.
Dried Onion & Garlic Powder: These seasonings bring the savory, aromatic base to the bread. You can use fresh onion and garlic if preferred, but these dried versions save time and add just the right amount of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, adjust according to your taste preferences.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying your savory zucchini Parmesan bread!

How to Make Zucchini Parmesan Bread

Making this Zucchini Parmesan Bread is straightforward, and the result is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this savory treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

The first step in making this bread is to prepare the zucchini. Since zucchini has a high water content, it’s important to reduce some of that moisture to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Grate the Zucchini: Use a food processor or box grater to grate the zucchini. You want to achieve fine, even shreds that will blend well into the batter.
Season the Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a medium-sized bowl and sprinkle with salt. Stir well, then let the zucchini sit for about 10-15 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess moisture.
Drain the Zucchini: After the zucchini has released some water, use a clean cloth or paper towel to press out excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your bread has the right texture and doesn’t end up too wet.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Batter

Once the zucchini is ready, you can move on to making the bread batter. This step is easy and quick.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, garlic powder, dried onion, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, melt the butter (microwave is quick and easy for this). Add the milk and eggs to the melted butter, whisking to combine.
Add Zucchini to the Wet Ingredients: Fold the prepared zucchini into the wet ingredients. Stir to combine, ensuring the zucchini is well mixed with the butter, eggs, and milk.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir the batter until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage to keep the bread light and airy. The batter should be thick but spreadable.

Step 3: Bake the Zucchini Parmesan Bread

Now comes the easy part—baking the bread.

Prepare the Loaf Tin: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350-375°F. Line a 21 cm x 6 cm loaf tin with parchment paper or spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Transfer the Batter to the Tin: Pour the prepared batter into the loaf tin, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.
Top with Zucchini Slices: If you have any leftover zucchini slices, place them on top of the batter for an extra layer of flavor and decoration. Press them gently into the batter.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf tin in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer or knife into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If the bread is still a bit wet in the center, bake it for an additional 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

After baking, let the bread cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, run a butter knife along the edges to loosen the bread from the pan. Carefully remove the bread from the tin and let it cool further on a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. It’s best enjoyed with a tangy mustard yogurt spread (recipe below) or alongside a fresh salad or soup.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Parmesan Bread

Grate the Zucchini Finely: Fine shreds of zucchini will incorporate more easily into the bread, creating a smoother texture and ensuring even distribution of flavor.
Don’t Skip the Draining Step: Properly draining the zucchini helps remove excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier bread, try adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the batter. This will make the bread even more flavorful and gooey.
Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to ensure it holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart.
Use Fresh Zucchini: If possible, use fresh zucchini from the garden or the market. Fresh zucchini is firmer and less watery than older zucchinis, making it ideal for this recipe.

How to Serve Zucchini Parmesan Bread

Zucchini Parmesan Bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you get the most out of this savory treat:

As a Side Dish: This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or salads. Its cheesy, savory flavor complements both light vegetable soups and hearty meat dishes.

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it warm with a dollop of mustard yogurt or even a side of scrambled eggs. It’s a satisfying breakfast or brunch option that will fill you up without being too heavy.

As a Snack: Slice it up and enjoy it on its own as a quick snack. The bread’s cheesy richness makes it a perfect midday treat, whether you’re at home or on the go.

With Dips: If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, pair it with creamy dips such as guacamole or hummus. The richness of the bread balances beautifully with these flavorful dips.

How to Store Zucchini Parmesan Bread

If you have leftovers (or want to make this bread ahead of time), here’s how to store it:

Let the Bread Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool to room temperature before storing it to avoid excess moisture buildup.

Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled bread in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for 5-10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds.

Can You Freeze Zucchini Parmesan Bread?

Yes! This bread freezes beautifully, which makes it great for meal prepping or having a quick snack on hand. Here’s how to freeze it:

Slice the Bread: Slice the bread into individual pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference.

Wrap It Well: Wrap the slices (or loaf) tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.

Freeze: The bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat: To reheat, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight or bake it from frozen at 180°C / 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to take your zucchini parmesan bread to the next level, there are plenty of fun and delicious variations to try. Let’s break down some ideas that will give your bread an extra twist!

Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread

For those who love a gooey, cheesy experience, try making a zucchini cheese quick bread. By adding shredded mozzarella or a mix of other cheeses, you can create a bread that’s even more cheesy and melty. The mozzarella adds a smooth, creamy texture, while the parmesan keeps that sharp, tangy flavor. This version is perfect for cheese lovers!

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bread

If you’re a fan of bold, savory flavors, garlic parmesan zucchini bread is your answer. Add a couple of minced garlic cloves to the mix, and you’ll have a loaf that’s bursting with garlic’s aromatic goodness. The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory profile that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a side dish to your favorite pasta.

Parmesan Breaded Zucchini

For a little extra crunch, try making parmesan breaded zucchini. This variation involves adding breadcrumbs and extra parmesan on top of your batter before baking, resulting in a deliciously crispy crust. The texture contrast between the soft, cheesy inside and the crunchy outside makes every bite more satisfying.

Gluten-Free Zucchini Parmesan Bread

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, no problem! Simply swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The zucchini keeps the bread moist, and the parmesan adds that signature savory flavor, making this a perfect option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Dairy-Free Zucchini Parmesan Bread

For those avoiding dairy, you can easily turn this into a vegan-friendly loaf. Just substitute the parmesan with a plant-based parmesan cheese. There are several great dairy-free options out there, so you won’t miss the cheese at all. The zucchini still provides plenty of moisture, and you’ll have a delicious, dairy-free bread!

Herb and Bacon Infused Zucchini Parmesan Bread

For something extra flavorful, try adding fresh herbs or crispy bacon to your bread. Herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme can bring a fresh, fragrant note to the bread, while bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch. It’s the perfect way to take your zucchini parmesan bread to a whole new level.

By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor your zucchini parmesan bread to your tastes, whether you prefer it extra cheesy, garlicky, or gluten-free. There’s no right or wrong way to make it—just have fun and enjoy the process!

FAQs On Zucchini Parmesan Bread

1. Do You Grate or Shred Zucchini for Bread?

For Zucchini Parmesan Bread, you typically grate the zucchini rather than shred it. Grating the zucchini into fine shreds helps it blend evenly into the batter, contributing to a moist and tender texture. If you shred the zucchini too coarsely, it can result in larger chunks that affect the bread’s texture and may create pockets of moisture.

2. Is Zucchini Bread Good or Bad for You?

Zucchini Parmesan Bread can be a good option when you’re looking for a savory treat. It’s packed with zucchini, which provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. However, since it’s made with butter, cheese, and flour, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. To make it healthier, you can substitute ingredients like using whole wheat flour or replacing some of the butter with olive oil. Overall, zucchini bread can be a balanced addition to your diet, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a flavorful, veggie-packed snack.

3. Why Is My Zucchini Bread Soggy?

A soggy Zucchini Parmesan Bread is usually caused by excess moisture from the zucchini. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Drain the Zucchini Well: After grating or shredding the zucchini, season it with salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then press out as much moisture as possible using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can cause the bread to become dense and result in a soggy texture. Mix until just combined.
Bake Long Enough: Ensure that the bread is baked thoroughly. If the bread is undercooked in the middle, it may appear soggy.

4. Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for Zucchini Parmesan Bread?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini in Zucchini Parmesan Bread, but you need to properly prepare it first. When using frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water. This ensures that the moisture doesn’t affect the texture of the bread. After draining, you can use the zucchini just like fresh zucchini in the recipe.

5. Can I Make Zucchini Parmesan Bread Vegan?

Yes, you can make Zucchini Parmesan Bread vegan by making a few simple substitutions. Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese. You can also swap the butter for plant-based butter or olive oil. These adjustments will make the bread fully vegan while maintaining its delicious flavor.

Zucchini Parmesan Bread Recipe Card

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis (grated)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp dried onion
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups self-raising flour
60 grams butter (melted)
1/2 cup milk (use any milk of choice)
3 eggs (free-range)
Optional: extra zucchini slices for topping

Mustard Yogurt Spread (optional):

1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Cracked pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350-375°F. Grease and line a 21 cm x 6 cm loaf tin with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and place it in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in garlic powder, dried onion, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt the butter and whisk in milk and eggs until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined. Gently fold in the zucchini mixture.
Transfer to Tin: Pour the batter into the loaf tin and spread it evenly. Top with extra zucchini slices if desired.
Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer; it should come out clean. If needed, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Slice and serve with mustard yogurt spread.

Notes:

Zucchini Size: Use medium-sized zucchinis to prevent excess moisture. Large zucchinis may contain more water, affecting the texture of the bread.
Cheese Options: You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino or add extra cheddar for a richer flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter and vegan cheese to make it vegan.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Makes 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	275 kcal
Carbohydrates	27g
Protein	13g
Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	91mg
Sodium	293mg
Potassium	230mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	3g
Vitamin A	520 IU
Vitamin C	9mg
Calcium	198mg
Iron	1mg