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To make this tasty Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread, you will need: - 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 freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 large eggs - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil - ¾ cup whole milk - 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness) You can swap some ingredients if you run out or want to try new flavors. Here are a few ideas: - Butternut squash can be replaced with pumpkin or sweet potato puree. - All-purpose flour can be switched for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. - You can use feta or mozzarella instead of sharp cheddar for a different taste. - If you want a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of whole milk. - Instead of honey, maple syrup can add a nice sweetness too. Using fresh herbs gives the best flavor to your bread. They bring a bright taste and aroma. However, dried herbs are a great option when fresh ones aren’t available. - Fresh Herbs: Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. - Dried Herbs: They are more concentrated. They work well when mixed into the batter early on, allowing their flavors to bloom. Experiment and see what you like best! This recipe is flexible, and you can adjust it to fit your taste. You can find the full recipe above to make this mouthwatering loaf. Enjoy the process! Making Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread is fun and simple. You will need about 15 minutes to prep. Then, it bakes for about 45 to 50 minutes. This recipe makes enough for 8 slices. Gather all your ingredients first, and you will be ready to go. 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix the pureed butternut squash, eggs, olive oil, milk, and honey if you want a bit of sweetness. Whisk until it looks smooth. 3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Make sure everything is well combined. 4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until it is just combined. Don’t overmix; the batter should be thick but without dry spots. 5. Incorporate the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure it is spread evenly in the batter. 6. Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a nice finish. 7. Bake the Bread: Put the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs. 8. Cool and Serve: After baking, take the bread out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature. - Always measure your ingredients carefully for best results. - Use a whisk for wet ingredients to make them smooth. - Mix dry ingredients well to spread the flavors evenly. - When combining wet and dry, stir just until no dry flour shows. This keeps the bread soft. Try this full recipe and enjoy every bite of this savory loaf! To get the best texture in your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread, focus on the squash. Make sure it is well-cooked and smooth when pureed. A chunky puree can lead to uneven texture. Use fresh ingredients for the best rise. Mixing too much can make the bread dense. Stir gently until the dry and wet mixes combine. This will keep your loaf light and fluffy. Flavor is key in this savory bread. Fresh herbs, like thyme and rosemary, shine here. Use them generously for a fragrant and tasty loaf. You can swap fresh herbs for dried ones, but use less. They are stronger in taste. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can bring depth. A little honey adds a sweet touch that pairs well with cheddar. Avoid overmixing your batter. This can make your bread tough. Also, don't skip the cooling step. Letting the bread cool properly improves the texture. If you cut it too soon, it may crumble. Lastly, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Follow the Full Recipe for precise steps. {{image_4}} You can use different cheeses to change the flavor. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta adds a nice tang. Goat cheese gives a creamy texture. Each cheese will make this bread unique. Just remember to shred or crumble the cheese for even mixing. Feel free to mix in extra goodies. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet burst. Spinach or kale can boost nutrition. For spice, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add crunch. Be creative and make it your own! To make this bread gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends with xanthan gum to help with texture. You can also try almond flour for a nutty flavor. Follow the same baking steps and enjoy a gluten-free loaf! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread fresh, store it at room temperature. Use a bread box or a paper bag for best results. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can make the bread soggy. If you have leftover slices, wrap them in foil or wax paper. This way, the bread stays soft and tasty for a few days. You can freeze this savory loaf to enjoy later. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This double wrap prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it first for easy thawing. It stays good in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread, it's simple to reheat. For individual slices, pop them in the toaster for a crispy finish. If you have the whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the wrapped loaf in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the bread warm and restores its soft texture. Enjoy it warm with butter or your favorite spread! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To know if the bread is done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. You want to avoid any wet batter on the toothpick. The bread should also feel firm to the touch. A nice golden-brown crust will form on the top as it bakes. This gives a good sign of a well-cooked loaf. Yes, you can use other squashes. Acorn or pumpkin can be great alternatives. Each squash will add a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook and puree the squash first. This helps the bread stay moist and gives it a smooth texture. Experimenting with different squashes can lead to fun new tastes. This savory loaf pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with a warm bowl of soup. It also goes nicely with fresh salads or a simple green salad. For breakfast, enjoy it with eggs or as toast. You can even spread some butter or cream cheese on top. The bread’s flavors shine through with any of these options. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. This blog post covered all key aspects of making Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread. We explored the ingredients, substitutes, and the choice between fresh and dried herbs. You learned the step-by-step process for preparing and baking. Also, you discovered tips for texture and flavor, plus common mistakes to avoid. We discussed variations and storage options for your bread. Remember, cooking is about experimenting. Use this guide to create a delicious loaf that suits your taste. Enjoy your baking journey!

Herb and Cheddar Squash Bread

Bake a delicious Herb & Cheddar Squash Bread that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with savory herbs and sharp cheddar cheese! This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful twist to your breadbasket. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a warm, comforting loaf that pairs perfectly with soups or salads. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

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

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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

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

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 large eggs

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

¾ cup whole milk

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly with oil or lining it with parchment paper for easy lifting after baking.

    Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pureed butternut squash, eggs, olive oil, milk, and honey (if you prefer a hint of sweetness). Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

      Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

        Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick yet free of any dry flour spots.

          Incorporate the Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the batter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.

              Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but not with any wet batter.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Enjoy the bread warm, sliced, and optionally spread with a touch of butter. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. This savory loaf pairs wonderfully as a side with soups or salads!