Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread

$- 1 cup cooked and pureed butternut squash - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Fresh herbs: thyme and rosemary - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 large eggs - ¼ cup olive oil - ¾ cup milk - Optional: 1 tablespoon honey This recipe shines due to its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The star is butternut squash, which adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. You want to cook and puree it before adding it to the mix. This step ensures a smooth texture. All-purpose flour provides the base for the bread. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise, while salt and black pepper add flavor. Fresh thyme and rosemary bring a beautiful, herbal note. I find that these herbs pair perfectly with the rich cheddar cheese. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is key for that savory taste. It melts well and gives a delightful cheesy pull in every bite. The eggs help bind everything together, while olive oil keeps the bread tender. Milk adds richness, making it moist and delicious. You can also add honey. It’s optional but gives a nice touch of sweetness. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or served alongside soup. Check out the Full Recipe for complete steps and tips. Happy baking! - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). - Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper. - Combine pureed butternut squash, eggs, olive oil, milk, and honey in a bowl. - Whisk until smooth and even. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs in a different bowl. - Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture. - Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light. - Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese. - Pour batter into the prepared pan. - Bake for 45-50 minutes. - Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Make sure to follow these steps closely for the best results with this delightful Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread. For the full recipe, refer to the previous sections. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! - Ensure the squash is well-pureed. This helps the bread stay moist. - Be cautious with the mixing process. Mix just until combined to avoid tough bread. - Use aged cheddar for a sharper taste. It adds depth and richness. - Experiment with additional herbs or spices. Consider basil, oregano, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a twist. - Serve warm with a spread of butter. This makes each bite extra tasty. - Garnish with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary adds a lovely touch. For the complete baking experience, check the Full Recipe for all details. Enjoy making this savory loaf! {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free option, this bread can still be yours! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great mixes that work well in baking. Look for blends that include a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and starch. This way, you can still enjoy the savory taste of herb and cheddar squash bread without gluten. Cheese is a key part of this bread. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try different types of cheese. Gruyère adds a nutty touch, while feta brings a salty zing. Mozzarella gives you a gooey, melty texture. Each cheese offers a unique taste that can make this bread your own. Feel free to mix and match! Herbs can change the flavor of your bread. While thyme and rosemary are great choices, you can use other herbs too. Sage gives a warm, earthy flavor, while parsley adds a fresh note. You can even try basil for a fragrant twist. Experiment with herbs you love to create a bread that suits your taste. To keep your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread fresh, let it cool completely before storing. This step is key. If you store it while warm, moisture builds up. This can make the bread soggy. Use an airtight container to keep it safe from air. If you don't have one, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Both methods work well to maintain the bread's flavor and texture. This bread can sit in the fridge for up to one week. Just remember to keep it sealed. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check back to the main article. Yes, just ensure it's well-drained and thoroughly thawed. Frozen squash works well in this recipe. It saves time and still gives a great taste. Just remember to squeeze out any excess water before mixing it in. Use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. When you see that, your bread is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, let it bake a bit longer. Yes, the bread can be prepared and stored for later enjoyment. You can bake it in advance and keep it in your fridge. Just warm it up before serving for the best taste. Delicious as a side with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own. This bread adds a lovely flavor to any meal. It pairs well with warm dishes or fresh greens. This blog post shared all you need for making Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread. We covered the key ingredients, from butternut squash to sharp cheddar cheese. I walked you through each step, from mixing wet and dry ingredients to baking. For perfect bread, remember to puree the squash well and mix gently. You can even try different cheeses or herbs for fun twists. Store it well, and it can last up to a week. Enjoy this delicious bread with a meal or on its own!$

Looking for a deliciously unique treat? Try this Herb & Cheddar Squash Bread! Made with wholesome butternut squash and packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar, this savory bread is perfect as a side or a cozy snack. Follow our easy recipe to create a golden loaf that's sure to impress. Don’t miss out on the delightful flavors—click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

1 cup cooked and pureed butternut squash (about 1 medium squash)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 large eggs

¼ cup olive oil

¾ cup milk

1 tablespoon honey (optional for a hint of sweetness)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pureed butternut squash, eggs, olive oil, milk, and honey (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick, but no dry flour should remain.

Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs (but not wet batter).

Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 5 min | Serves 8 slices

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bread warm, sliced, and spread with a bit of butter. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs for a lovely touch. Enjoy this savory loaf as a side with soups or salads!