This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a savory treat packed with cheesy goodness and fresh herbs. The tender squash adds moisture, making every bite soft and flavorful!
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. I love enjoying it with butter—it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. You might find it’s hard to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Squash: Butternut or acorn squash works well here as they have a sweet flavor. If you’re in a pinch, canned pumpkin is a nice alternative, but check that it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, feel free to use medium or mild cheddar. For a different twist, try pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary give great flavor, but fresh herbs elevate the taste even more. If you don’t have these herbs, Italian seasoning is a fine substitute, or use whatever dried herbs you like.
Milk: I prefer buttermilk for added richness, but regular milk works just as well. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk can be used too.
How Do You Avoid Overmixing When Making Bread?
Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so it’s important to handle the batter gently. Here’s how:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; they will smooth out during baking.
- Use a spatula to fold the batter instead of a whisk to prevent gluten development.
- Remember, less is more with mixing when it comes to quick breads!
These tips will help you achieve a light, fluffy loaf. Enjoy the process—making bread is all about having fun in the kitchen!
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and mashed squash (such as butternut or acorn squash)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then fully cool on a wire rack before slicing. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 25 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This helps distribute all the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s well coated in the flour mixture. This will keep the cheese from sinking to the bottom while baking.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the mashed squash, oil, and milk until it’s all well combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the bread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Fold in Fresh Herbs:
If you’re using fresh parsley, fold it in gently. It adds a fresh burst of flavor to the bread.
7. Fill the Loaf Pan:
Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is fantastic, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even feta for a unique twist. Just remember that strong cheeses like blue cheese can change the flavor significantly.
Can I Substitute the Squash?
Yes! If you don’t have squash on hand, mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin can work as great substitutes. Just ensure they are cooked and well-mashed before adding to the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the bread’s structure.
