Wholesome & Delicious: Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re baking a truly special bread – a Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe is perfect for using up that summer zucchini glut, adding a healthy boost to your breakfast or afternoon snack, and impressing your friends and family with your baking skills. The combination of whole wheat flour, fresh herbs, and moist zucchini creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with whole wheat flour, this bread is a good source of fiber and nutrients.
• Moist and Flavorful: Zucchini adds incredible moisture, while fresh herbs create a delightful aroma and taste.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or as a side with soups and salads.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
• Perfect for Using Zucchini: A great way to use up excess zucchini from your garden or the farmer’s market.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar added, let sit for 5 minutes)
• Herbs:
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, chives, parsley, or a mix)
• Optional Add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Grate the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Using a grater, shred the zucchini into a bowl. You should have about 1 cup of shredded zucchini.
2. Remove excess moisture: This is crucial for preventing a soggy bread. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. You’ll be surprised how much water comes out!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. Whisk eggs and sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and slightly fluffy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add oil and vanilla: Pour in the vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil) and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add zucchini and buttermilk: Stir in the squeezed zucchini and buttermilk (or milk mixture). Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add wet to dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
2. Fold in herbs and optional add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped fresh herbs and any optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or seeds.

Step 5: Prepare the Loaf Pan

1. Grease and flour the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Pour batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and allows it to firm up slightly.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini: This is crucial for preventing a soggy bread. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the bread. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Adjust baking time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking the bread after 50 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing: This allows the bread to firm up and prevents it from crumbling.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and additions you can try:

• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter treat.
• Lemon Zucchini Bread: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Spiced Zucchini Bread: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Savory Zucchini Bread: Omit the sugar and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a savory bread.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to help hold the bread together.

Serving Suggestions

This Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment:

• Plain: Simply slice the bread and enjoy it as is.
• Toasted with butter: Toast slices of the bread and spread with butter or your favorite spread.
• With cream cheese: Spread cream cheese on slices of the bread for a creamy and tangy treat.
• With honey or jam: Drizzle honey or spread jam on slices of the bread for a sweet and fruity flavor.
• As a side with soup or salad: Serve slices of the bread as a side with your favorite soup or salad.
• In sandwiches: Use slices of the bread to make sandwiches.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread fresh, follow these storage instructions:

• Room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(per slice, based on 12 slices per loaf)

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 10-15g
• Saturated Fat: 2-3g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 200-250mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 10-15g
• Protein: 4-6g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious and wholesome Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread recipe that you can easily make at home. This bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as a side dish. With its moist texture, flavorful herbs, and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of goodness! Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! If you try it out, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking!