This Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is a lovely combination of soft bread, melty cheese, and tasty herbs. The squash adds a nice sweetness, making it perfect for any meal!
Honestly, you’ll find it hard to resist this bread fresh from the oven. The cheesy aroma fills the kitchen, and I can never stop at just one slice! It’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. You can try using whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but it may change the texture a bit. Gluten-free flour blends also work if you’re avoiding gluten!
Squash: I love butternut squash for its sweetness, but acorn or even pumpkin can be great substitutes! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and mashed for the best consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick, but feel free to use mild or even pepper jack for some heat. You might swap it for a dairy-free cheese if you’re going vegan.
Herbs: Fresh herbs always bring extra flavor! If you can’t find thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning is a good alternative. Just use a bit less since it’s more blended.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Bread Doesn’t Come Out Dense?
A common worry is ending up with dense bread. Here are some steps to ensure your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread turns out light and fluffy:
- Accurate Measurements: Make sure to measure your flour correctly! Too much can make the bread heavy. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can develop gluten, making the bread tough.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure it’s at the right temperature. Baking at the right heat is crucial for proper rising!
- Cooling Properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then on a wire rack. This keeps steam from getting trapped, which can affect texture.
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed squash (butternut, acorn, or similar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar)
Optional:
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for cooling before you slice into the deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it lightly to prevent the bread from sticking. You want it to come out nice and clean!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, thyme, and rosemary. This helps to blend everything evenly, so your bread rises nicely!
3. Add the Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the dry mix. Make sure the cheese is coated with flour; this will help it disperse evenly in the bread.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then mix in the mashed squash, oil (or melted butter), and buttermilk until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make the bread dense, and we want it soft and fluffy!
6. Fold in Fresh Herbs (Optional):
If you’re using parsley, fold it into the batter now for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
7. Transfer to Pan:
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, and the top should be a beautiful golden brown.
9. Cool and Slice:
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. This keeps the bottom from becoming soggy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice the bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or just butter for a tasty snack!
Your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is ready to impress your taste buds!
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Just keep the same measurement for best results!
What Kind of Squash Can I Use?
Butternut squash is a favorite due to its sweetness, but you can also use acorn squash, pumpkin, or even zucchini. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and mashed for a smooth batter!
How Should 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 it for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm it up before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload the batter to ensure it cooks evenly!
