Got extra zucchini? This easy zucchini bread recipe is the perfect way to use it up! Moist, lightly-spiced, and made in one bowl, this quick bread makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. Plus, it freezes beautifully!
You Will Love This Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe!
I have made this recipe (a family recipe from my husband’s childhood) SO many times over the years, and I’ve never had it flop! It freezes beautifully and is a great homemade gift to give — perfect for the upcoming holidays.
I personally make it often in the fall as a way to try to use up the massive amounts of frozen shredded zucchini in my freezer from my always-prolific, overachieving zucchini plants (for the first summer in a long time, we actually didn’t plant zucchini as we STILL have zucchini in the freezer from last year, haha!).
Feel free to leave out the nuts if you don’t like them or want to make this a little more budget-friendly. You can also adjust the spices based on your preference or what you have on hand.
We especially love this zucchini bread toasted with butter for breakfast. It’s warm and comforting, and it tastes and smells like fall with all of the spices. But we don’t limit it to breakfast time! It also makes a delicious side for a cozy soup, like my creamy tortellini soup!
Zucchini Bread Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups finely shredded zucchini
- 1 T. vanilla
- 3 cups flour
- 1 t. salt
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1 t. nutmeg
- 1/2 t. cloves
- 1 t. baking soda
- 1/2 t. baking powder
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts, if desired
How to Make Zucchini Bread
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the first five ingredients: eggs, oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, stir the remaining dry ingredients (except nuts) until well-combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add the nuts.
5. Pour into two greased and floured loaf pans (IF you have 8″ x 4″ pans, I prefer them for this recipe as the bread will rise higher. 9″ x 5″ pans seem to be a more standard size that most people have, though, so I purposefully used them when I took the pictures for this recipe to show that this size works too!).
6. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour, or until done. (The top of the bread will spring back when you touch it once it’s done.)
7. Let cool completely. If you aren’t eating this right away, wrap the loaves in plastic wrap, making sure all sides are covered. Store in the fridge or the freezer (I put the bread inside a freezer Ziploc bag, in addition to the plastic wrap, if I’m freezing it).
FAQs about Homemade Zucchini Bread
No, you do not need to peel your zucchini for this quick bread recipe. In fact, I’d recommend you don’t because it’ll save you time and the peel has extra nutrients!
The best way to grate zucchini for bread is by hand with a box grater, but you can also use the food processor. The food processor will release more of the water, though, so you’ll want to squeeze the excess water out (using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel) to avoid making your bread soggy.
Yes! Zucchini bread freezes well and can last up to 6 months if you store it properly. I recommend you wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap — make sure there aren’t any gaps! — and then store it in a Ziplock freezer bag.
Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups finely shredded zucchini
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the first five ingredients: eggs, oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, stir the remaining dry ingredients (except nuts) until well-combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add the nuts.
- Pour into two greased and floured loaf pans.*
- Bake at 325 degrees for one hour, or until done. (The top of the bread will spring back when you touch it once it's done.)
- Let cool completely. Wrap well in plastic wrap, making sure all sides are covered. Store in the fridge or the freezer (I put the bread inside a freezer Ziploc bag, in addition to the plastic wrap, if I’m freezing it).
Notes
Nutrition
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Have you ever made zucchini bread? If you make this easy recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Brigette’s $92 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4!
Brigette’s $92 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4!
Aldi
1 large canister Quick Oats – $3.79
1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $2.19
1 large jar Unsweetened Applesauce – $3.09
1/32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.69
1 4-lb bag Sugar – $2.89
1 bag Brown Sugar – $1.89
1 bag Chocolate Chips – $3.55
1 Pineapple – $2.15
2 3-ct bags Multi-Colored Peppers – $4.78
1 bag Beefsteak Tomatoes – $1.85
1 Cauliflower – $2.89
1 bag Romaine Hearts – $2.99
1 bag Red Grapes – $3.92
1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $3.08
1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $3.49
1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $2.85
1 jar Bread and Butter Pickles – $1.99
1 jar Dill Pickles – $2.35
1 jar Black Peppers – $3.15
1 20-oz jar Yellow Mustard – $0.89
4 cans French Green Beans – $3.04
2 8-oz pkgs Sliced Cheese – $3.18
1 box Butter Quarters – $3.39
2 pkgs Brioche Buns – $7.30
1 box Gluten-Free Brownie Mix – $2.95
Total: $76.33
Publix
2 4-ct pkgs Activia Proactive – $4.69, used $1/1 Activia Publix Digital Coupon, plus received (2) $1/1 Activia Proactive Ibotta Rebates – $1.69 for 2 after Coupon and Rebates
1 4-ct Dannon Yogurt – $1.89, received $1/1 Activia Ibotta Rebate– $0.89 (this should have attached to the $0.50/1 Ibotta Rebate, but automatically attached to the higher value rebate)
2 Dannon Whole Milk Yogurt Tubs – $3.79, received (2) $1/1 Dannon Ibotta Rebates – $1.79 after Rebates
2 Cabot Chunk Cheese – $5.09 – used $1/2 Cabot Publix Digital Coupon – $4.09 for 2 after Coupon
2 Cabot Shredded Cheese – $4.99 – used $1/2 Cabot Shredded Publix Digital Coupon – $3.99 for 2 after Coupon
2 boxes Special K Pastry Crisps – $3.39, used (2) $1/1 Printables – $1.39 for 2 after Coupons
2 4-ct pkgs Yo Crunch Yogurt – $3.89
2 jars Barilla Pesto Sauce – $3.99, received 2900 points from Merryfield ($2.90) – $1.09 for 2 after Rebate
2 jars Tobasco Salsa Picante – $3.89, used (2) $0.75/1 Hangtag Coupons, plus received (2) $1/1 Tobasco Salsa Picante Ibotta Rebates –$0.39 for 2 after Coupons and Rebates
1 Justin’s Crunchy Peanut Butter – $4.99, received $4.99 Rebate – FREE after Rebate!
1 Skippy Natural Peanut Butter – $1.67
1 Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour – $6.69, received $6.69 Rebate – FREE after Rebate!
~ Received $5 when you spend $15 on Dannon Rebate (I already had about $5 towards this reward from another receipt)
Total after Coupons and Rebates: $15.88
Grocery Total for the Week: $92.21
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, Smoothies, Yogurt, Fruit, Hard Boiled Eggs, No Bake Energy Bites
Lunches
PB & J Sandwiches, Veggie Straws, Sliced Peppers, Grapes x 3
PB Crackers, Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Carrots, Apples x 2
Leftovers x 2
Dinners
Venison Burgers, Chips, Grilled Cauliflower, Applesauce
Creamy Chicken Gravy over Rice, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Greens Beans
Grilled Chicken, The Best Cheesy Hashbrowns, Firehouse Green Beans, Gluten-Free Brownies (company for dinner)
Spaghetti, French Bread, Peas
Homemade Pesto Pizza, Carrots with Dip
Biscuits and Venison Sausage Gravy, Broccoli
Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Butternut Squash, Broccoli
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Creamy Chicken Gravy and Rice ($10 Family Dinner Idea)
Looking for a delicious, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love? This creamy chicken and gravy with rice is a simple, comforting recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she will be sharing easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.
Creamy Chicken and Gravy over Rice
This is one of my easiest frugal recipes that I have made countless times over the years. My family will actually beg me to make this (which is honestly pretty funny to me since it’s hardly even a “real” recipe in my opinion, haha!). It’s a perfect way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rice. In fact, if your chicken and rice are already cooked, you can have this meal on the table in 15 minutes or less!
It’s perfect for the upcoming chilly fall evenings where you need a quick, cheap, comforting meal that will keep your entire family full and happy for hours.
Creamy Chicken and Rice with Gravy Dinner Menu:
- Chicken gravy
- Rice
- Broccoli
- Apples
Ingredients for Dinner with Creamy Chicken Gravy over Rice
- 3 cups cooked, diced chicken (this is equivalent to 1-lb uncooked chicken) (Aldi — $2.49/lb)* – $2.49
- 1 stick butter (Aldi – $3.39/lb) – $0.85
- 1/2 cup flour (Harris Teeter – $1.97 for 19 cups) – $0.05
- 2 1/2 cups dry rice (Aldi – $1.99 for 7.5 cups) – $0.66
- 2 – 3 cups chicken broth (Aldi – I used 2 chicken bouillon cubes and 2 1/2 cups water) – $0.14
- 2 cups milk (Aldi – $3.05 for 16 cups) – $0.38
- Fresh broccoli (Aldi – 1.41lbs @ 1.79/lb) – $2.52
- Sliced apples (Aldi – $1.99 for 3lbs) – $0.90
- Salt, pepper, and other spices, as desired
Grand Total for Dinner: $7.99 (serves 6)
How to Make Creamy Chicken, Rice, and Gravy
1. Prepare 1 pound of boneless chicken using your favorite method. (Boil, grill, air fry, bake, etc. I love to sprinkle it with spices and bake it at 425 degrees until done – timing depends on the thickness of the chicken, but is usually around 20 minutes. I went ahead and baked the entire package of chicken breasts, although I didn’t use it all in this recipe.) Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, dice it into smallish pieces.
2. While your chicken is baking, cook 2 1/2 cups of rice using your preferred method. I always boil mine on the stove.
3. In a large frying pan, melt 1 stick butter over medium-low heat.
4. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour.
5. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2-3 cups of chicken broth (depending on how thick you want it – it will thicken more after you take it off the stove), stirring constantly until thickened.
6. Stir in diced chicken and heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper (as well as any other spices you want!) and serve over rice.
7. Steam the broccoli and slice the apples (or serve with whatever sides you prefer).
Creamy Chicken Gravy over Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked diced chicken (This is equivalent to 1-lb uncooked chicken.) (Aldi — $2.49/lb)* – $2.49
- 1 stick butter (Aldi – $3.39/lb) – $0.85
- 1/2 cup flour (Harris Teeter – $1.97 for 19 cups) – $0.05
- 2 1/2 cups dry rice (Aldi – $1.99 for 7.5 cups) – $0.66
- 2-3 cups chicken broth (Aldi – I used 2 chicken bouillon cubes and 2 1/2 cups water) – $0.14
- 2 cups milk (Aldi – $3.05 for 16 cups) – $0.38
- fresh broccoli (Aldi – 1.41lbs @ 1.79/lb) – $2.52
- sliced apples (Aldi – $1.99 for 3lbs) – $0.90
- Salt, pepper, and other spices, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare 1 pound of boneless chicken using your favorite method (Boil, grill, air fry, bake, etc. I love to sprinkle it with spices and bake it at 425 degrees until done – timing depends on the thickness of the chicken, but is usually around 20 minutes.) Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, dice it into smallish pieces.
- While your chicken is baking, cook 2 1/2 cups of rice using your preferred method. I always boil mine on the stove.
- In a large frying pan, melt 1 stick butter over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup flour.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2-3 cups of chicken broth (depending on how thick you want it – it will thicken more after you take it off the stove), stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in diced chicken and heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper (as well as any other spices you want!) and serve over rice.
- Steam the broccoli and slice the apples (or serve with whatever sides you prefer).
Nutrition
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And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!
Do you have a favorite family dinner for under $10 or a suggestion for what I should make next? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!
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