Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
Meet your new favorite savory bake: Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread. This irresistible loaf bursts with tender zucchini, fresh green onions, and luscious pockets of sharp cheddar in every slice. It’s the kind of comforting, flavor-packed bread that makes simple meals extra special, whether you’re serving it warm from the oven alongside a cozy soup or sneaking a toasted slice for a late-night snack. Each bite balances the gentle sweetness of zucchini with tangy cheese and an aromatic hit from green onions, making this quick bread a fuss-free showstopper for any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread with staple ingredients that each play a starring role. From the tangy buttermilk magic to the punchy green onions, every component lends something crucial to the flavor, texture, or rich color of the finished loaf.
- Zucchini (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Sneaks in plenty of moisture and a gentle sweetness without overpowering the bread.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the backbone for the loaf, lending heft and softness in each bite.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the bread a lovely rise and the proper crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the buttermilk to create lift and add tenderness.
- Table salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors, making every savory note pop.
- Milk (1 cup, any fat level): Keeps the crumb tender, and when combined with vinegar, acts as homemade buttermilk.
- White or apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Quickly transforms milk into buttermilk for that all-important tang.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and boosts that golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps the bread stay moist.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, grated): Melts into savory pockets, giving every bite a burst of cheesy flavor.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Add a fresh, slightly peppery lift that complements the richness of the cheese and zucchini.
How to Make Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Zucchini
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan so your bread pops out easily later. Wrap your shredded zucchini in a paper towel and gently squeeze—no need to wring it dry, just remove a bit of excess moisture (about a tablespoon). This tiny step is key: it ensures your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread stays wonderfully moist, not soggy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is thoroughly combined. Even distribution here means that the leavening agents can work their magic, resulting in every bite of bread being soft, evenly risen, and full of flavor.
Step 3: Create Buttermilk and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, blend the milk with the vinegar. Let this sit a minute so it becomes slightly curdled—instant buttermilk! Whisk in your melted butter and the egg until the mixture is smooth. Pro tip: If you let your ingredients warm to room temperature first, your quick bread will rise higher and bake more evenly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the buttermilk mixture from Step 3 into the flour mixture from Step 2. Carefully fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon, just until no streaks of flour remain. Try not to overmix—your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread will be fluffier if you mix gently.
Step 5: Add Zucchini, Cheese, and Green Onions
Add your squeezed shredded zucchini, grated sharp cheddar, and chopped green onions to the batter. Fold everything together until the add-ins are evenly distributed. For an extra-savory punch, toss in a pinch of black pepper if you like! This step is where all the color and flavor start to come together.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Bread
Pour your batter into the greased bread pan. Smooth out the top, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, your loaf is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This helps it set up perfectly for neat, satisfying slices.
How to Serve Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread

Garnishes
To make every slice even more tempting, try topping your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a scattering of fresh sliced green onions just before serving. A swipe of salted butter or a dollop of whipped cream cheese brings a creamy, rich finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bread is perfectly cozy alongside a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or a plate of scrambled eggs. The savory combo of cheddar and green onion means it pairs beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to a vegetarian chili, making hearty weeknight meals even more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful! Slice Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread thick and toast it until golden, then top with avocado or smoked salmon for a brunch-worthy treat. Cube it for a savory bread pudding or use as the base for open-faced sandwiches. Every bite is a canvas for your favorite toppings and spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread fresh and fluffy, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, pop it in the fridge instead, where it will stay delicious for three to four days.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole bread tightly in plastic wrap and an extra layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw to room temperature or reheat slices straight from frozen.
Reheating
For that warm, just-baked flavor, reheat slices in a toaster or low oven (300°F/150°C) for five to ten minutes. The cheese gets melty all over again, and the edges crisp up perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the crumb a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives your Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread its signature tang, you can swap in pepper jack for some heat, gruyere for extra nuttiness, or even a smoked gouda for deeper flavor. Mix and match your favorites!
Should I peel the zucchini before shredding?
No need! The skin on zucchini is tender and packed with nutrients. Simply wash, trim, and shred—those flecks of green in your bread are both gorgeous and healthy.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be a touch different, but you’ll still get a lovely loaf packed with flavor.
Can I make mini loaves or muffins instead of one big loaf?
Definitely. Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins, and reduce the baking time—25 to 30 minutes for muffins should do the trick. Just check with a toothpick for doneness.
Why is homemade buttermilk important in this recipe?
That quick blend of milk and vinegar helps activate the baking soda for a better rise and adds a gentle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. It also makes the Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread incredibly tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a savory quick bread that’s as easy to make as it is to love, this Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread checks every box. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, and I promise, your tastebuds will thank you. Happy baking!
PrintGreen Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread Recipe
This Green Onion Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread is a savory treat packed with flavor. The combination of zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions creates a deliciously moist and cheesy bread that’s perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain white flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp table salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (2%, whole, or nonfat)
- 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Zucchini
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5 inch bread pan. Squeeze excess liquid from shredded zucchini.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Step 3: Create Buttermilk and Mix Wet Ingredients
Combine milk and vinegar, then mix in melted butter and egg.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Combine wet milk mixture with dry flour mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Add Zucchini, Cheese, and Green Onions
Fold in zucchini, cheddar cheese, and green onions until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Bake and Cool the Bread
Pour batter into pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Quick Bread, Zucchini Bread, Cheddar Bread, Savory Bread