This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a tasty twist on your regular bread! With golden squash, melted cheddar, and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for any meal.
Honestly, the cheese is what makes this bread a winner. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I love serving it fresh from the oven; it’s simply irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Squash: Butternut or yellow squash adds moisture and flavor. You can also use pumpkin or zucchini. If fresh squash isn’t available, canned pumpkin works well in a pinch!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage give great flavor. If you have dried herbs, use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated. Dried Italian seasoning is another tasty option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice zing. Feel free to substitute with any cheese you love, like pepper jack for a kick, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the bread. For a vegan version, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How Can I Get My Bread to Rise Properly?
The key to fluffy bread lies in how you combine your ingredients. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh—they’re essential for the rise. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so stir just until the flour disappears.
- Preheat the oven; the heat helps the bread rise nicely.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly—too much can weigh the bread down.
- A toothpick test will help you know when it’s done; it should come out clean without any wet batter.
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups cooked and mashed squash (such as butternut or yellow squash)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few extra minutes letting it cool before slicing into it. In less than two hours, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, herb-infused loaf ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven going by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, either grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make transferring the bread easier later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and finely chopped herbs. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed and have a lovely smell from the herbs.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, gently beat the eggs. Then add the mashed squash, milk, oil (or melted butter), and honey or sugar if you’re using it. Mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps from the squash—it’ll taste great!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. This is important—overmixing can make the bread dense, and we want it light and fluffy!
5. Add the Cheese:
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Cheese makes everything better, right?
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps keep the bread tender!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
This bread is best served warm or at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with butter or a soft cheese spread, making it a perfect side for any meal or a lovely snack on its own.
Enjoy your herbaceous, cheesy, and moist squash bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Absolutely! Butternut and yellow squash are great options, but feel free to experiment with pumpkin or even zucchini. Just ensure they’re cooked and mashed well for the best texture!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm it in the oven before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. For a dairy-free cheese option, look for vegan cheese that melts well, or simply enjoy it without cheese for a slightly different but still tasty bread.
What’s the Best Way to Modify the Flavors?
If you want to tweak the flavors, try adding different herbs such as basil or oregano. You can also mix in some spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to keep the cheese for that lovely richness!
