Whether you’re avoiding carbs, eliminating gluten, or just trying to sneak more vegetables into your daily routine, this Zucchini Cheesy Bread recipe will blow your mind. Made with shredded zucchini, gooey cheese, eggs, and herbs, it’s everything you love about garlic bread—without the flour.
Perfect for those on a keto diet, trying out gluten-free recipes, or simply craving a healthy cheesy bread alternative, this recipe satisfies every savory craving. You can slice it into sticks, serve it with soup, turn it into croutons, or even make it the base of your next breakfast sandwich.
Let’s explore how this wholesome twist on a classic favorite can become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
🥒 What is Zucchini Cheesy Bread?
Zucchini Cheesy Bread is a low-carb, gluten-free bread alternative made primarily from grated zucchini, eggs, and a combination of cheeses. Unlike traditional cheesy breads that rely on flour and yeast, this version is lighter, faster to make, and much lower in carbs—making it ideal for keto eaters, gluten-sensitive diets, and even vegetable skeptics.
The best part? It has a rich, cheesy pull and golden crust that mimics bakery-style cheese breadsticks, but with added nutrition and fewer calories.
🧾 Ingredients List (with Notes)
Here’s what you need to make this magical bread:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 1½ cups after draining)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, umami kick)
- 2 tablespoons almond flour (optional, helps bind the mixture)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
Grate your zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. This is crucial—zucchini is over 90% water, and excess moisture will make your bread soggy.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- The drained zucchini
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Eggs
- Almond flour (optional)
- Seasonings
Mix until a thick, uniform batter forms. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more almond flour or cheese to help bind it.
3. Shape & Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly.
Spread the mixture into a rectangle or oval, about ½ inch thick. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and firm in the center.
4. Add Toppings
Remove from oven, sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the top is melted and bubbly.
5. Cool & Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes to firm up, then slice into sticks or squares. Garnish with herbs, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
🥫 Best Dipping Sauces for Cheesy Zucchini Bread
Take your breadsticks to the next level with these irresistible sauces:
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce
- Spicy Ranch
- Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip
- Buffalo Sauce with Blue Cheese
These pairings turn your cheesy bread into the perfect game day snack, party appetizer, or satisfying weeknight dinner side.
🧠 Pro Tips and Tricks
💧 Drain the Zucchini Well
Don’t skip this step! Proper draining ensures your bread isn’t soggy. Press hard—wrap the shredded zucchini in a towel and twist tightly over a sink.
🧀 Mix Your Cheeses
Want a deeper flavor? Mix mozzarella with sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda.
🧂 Season Liberally
Zucchini is mild, so don’t shy away from garlic, Italian herbs, or even red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
🔥 Crisp it Up
For a crispier crust, place the bread under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
🧡 Why This Recipe Works (Science Behind the Deliciousness)
Zucchini contains natural moisture and fiber, which mimics the binding quality of flour when mixed with eggs and cheese. The eggs act as a natural glue, binding the shredded zucchini and cheese together, while the cheese melts to create structure and chew.
Almond flour is optional but helps soak up excess moisture and adds a bit more density, which helps mimic real bread texture.
🍞 How it Compares to Traditional Bread
| Bread Type | Gluten-Free | Keto-Friendly | Prep Time | Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zucchini Cheesy Bread | ✅ | ✅ | ~30 mins | Cheesy, savory, herbaceous | Soft, cheesy |
| White Flour Cheesy Bread | ❌ | ❌ | ~1 hour | Rich, buttery, cheesy | Crusty, doughy |
| Crumpets | ❌ | ❌ | ~2 hours | Slightly sweet, neutral | Sponge-like |
| Keto Almond Bread | ✅ | ✅ | ~40 mins | Nutty, mild | Dense, bready |
Zucchini Cheesy Bread wins for ease, flavor, and versatility—plus it’s veggie-packed!
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This cheesy bread is delicious alone but also works as a base or side:
✅ Appetizer Board
Pair with olives, cherry tomatoes, and roasted nuts for a low-carb party platter.
✅ Keto Sandwich Base
Slice in half and layer with turkey, avocado, and mustard for a bun-free sandwich.
✅ Side for Soups & Salads
Serve with tomato basil soup, creamy chicken soup, or an arugula salad.
✅ Breakfast Meal
Top a slice with a fried egg, avocado, and hot sauce for a power-packed morning.
🧮 Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 120–140
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 9g
(Exact values may vary depending on cheese types and add-ins.)
It’s a filling, high-protein, low-carb option that aligns with ketogenic, diabetic, gluten-free, and vegetarian lifestyles.
❄️ How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Wrap slices individually in parchment paper and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave: 30 seconds (texture may be softer)
- Toaster Oven: Perfect for crisping it up again
🍳 Zucchini Cheesy Bread Variations
Try these twists:
🧄 Garlic Herb Style
Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory, herby touch.
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Cheese
Add chopped jalapeños and a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
🥓 Bacon & Chive
Fold in crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped chives for a smoky, brunch-style variation.
🧅 Caramelized Onion & Gruyère
Perfect for elegant dinner parties—pair with red wine and a green salad.
🌿 Gluten-Free and Keto-Friendly Lifestyle Benefits
- Zucchini: Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, with very few carbs.
- Eggs: High-quality protein and healthy fats.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and B12, satisfying fat for ketogenic diets.
This bread fits perfectly into a calorie-conscious lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash has a similar texture and water content. Just prepare and drain it the same way.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan cheese alternatives and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a plant-based option.
What if I don’t have almond flour?
You can skip it or replace with coconut flour (use only 1 tbsp, as it absorbs more moisture).
Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, though the texture may be softer. Use a parchment-lined loaf pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then cool completely before slicing.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Zucchini Cheesy Bread brings together the best of both worlds: delicious comfort food and healthy ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for parties and potlucks. You get the indulgent taste of garlic cheese bread with none of the guilt.
Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, or just love trying new veggie-forward recipes, this is one you’ll keep making again and again.
