![- 2 cups cooked and pureed butternut squash - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup milk - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper The core of this Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread lies in its ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The butternut squash adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. The cheese brings a rich, sharp taste that pairs well with the herbs. - Alternative veggies for flavor: You can swap the squash for pumpkin or zucchini for a different taste. - Different cheese options: Try using gouda or mozzarella for a milder flavor. - Gluten-free flour alternatives: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend to adapt for dietary needs. These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe. You can experiment with flavors that you enjoy while keeping the recipe simple. This flexibility makes cooking fun and personal. How to preheat the oven First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Preparing the loaf pan Next, take a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then, dust it lightly with flour to keep the bread from sticking. Combining wet ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of pureed butternut squash, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup of milk. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until smooth. Incorporating dry ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This mix helps the bread rise and adds flavor. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Pouring batter into the pan Carefully fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme. Then, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to even out the top. Signs of doneness Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when ready. Enjoy your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread with a lovely garnish! For the complete recipe, see the Full Recipe. - Avoiding overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. If you mix too much, your bread can become dense and tough. A few lumps are okay! - Ensuring proper baking temperature: Always check your oven with an oven thermometer. An oven that is too hot or too cold can change your baking time and the bread's texture. - Adding extra herbs or spices: Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or some dried oregano. These can elevate the taste and bring new flavors to your bread. - Pairing with dips or spreads: This bread pairs well with creamy dips like hummus or cheese spreads. You can also enjoy it with butter or a dash of olive oil. - Serving suggestions: Slice the bread warm and serve it on a wooden board. This adds a rustic touch and makes it look inviting. - Garnishing with fresh herbs: Top your slices with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme. This not only looks pretty but also adds a nice fresh flavor. To make this bread shine, follow these tips and tricks. For the complete recipe and step-by-step guide, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy baking! {{image_4}} You can change the squash in this recipe. Try using acorn or spaghetti squash. Each type of squash brings a different taste and texture. This keeps the bread fresh and exciting. Adding nuts or seeds can bring crunch. Consider walnuts or pumpkin seeds. They add flavor and healthy fats. Just mix them in with the cheese and herbs. If you want a vegan version, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also replace the milk with almond or oat milk. For low-carb options, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the bread keto-friendly. You can also cut the cheese to lower carbs further. Incorporate seasonal veggies to change the flavor. Try adding zucchini in summer or roasted sweet potatoes in fall. These swaps can give the bread a unique taste all year. For holiday flavors, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even include cranberries for a festive twist. These seasonal changes make the bread perfect for any gathering. Explore the [Full Recipe] to see how these variations work. To keep your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread fresh and tasty, follow these tips: - Room Temperature: Store the bread in a cool, dry place. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. Place it in a bread box or on the counter. This way, it stays soft and flavorful. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. The shelf life of your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread can vary: - Room Temperature: When stored properly, the bread lasts about 3-5 days. It tastes best when eaten fresh. - Refrigeration Effects on Texture: Storing bread in the fridge can dry it out. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it might be better to refrigerate. However, you may lose some softness and flavor. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this bread ahead of time. Bake it, let it cool, and then wrap it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight before serving. How do I know if the bread is fully baked? To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter, bake it for a few more minutes. What can I serve with Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread? This bread pairs well with soup or salad. You can also enjoy it with butter or a cheese spread. For extra flavor, try serving it with a dip made from herbs. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just use two loaf pans and bake them one at a time. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may change slightly. How to adjust for high-altitude baking? At high altitudes, reduce baking powder by 1/8 teaspoon. Add an extra tablespoon of liquid. This helps the bread rise properly and keeps it moist. What to do if the bread is too dense? If your bread is too dense, you may have overmixed it. Next time, mix until just combined. Also, check your baking powder for freshness. Why did my bread not rise? If your bread did not rise, the yeast or baking powder may be old. Make sure to check the dates on your ingredients. Also, ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients, steps, and tips for making flavorful Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread. You learned how to mix your ingredients, bake your loaf, and even customize it to fit your needs. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or swap out ingredients. Use these tips to make your baking experience enjoyable. Happy baking, and trust your taste!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e8ad67bb-fdd6-4036-869c-c56998c4b291-300x300.webp)
Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this irresistible Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread recipe! Packed with creamy butternut squash, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, this savory bread is perfect as a side or a snack. Simple to make, it’s a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game with this deliciously unique creation!