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Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread Recipe

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4.4 from 73 reviews

A savory quick bread made with roasted butternut squash and fresh herbs. Moist, aromatic, and perfect as a side dish for soups, holiday meals, or an herby snack.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour (or sub all-purpose)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash purée (mashed smooth)
  • ½ cup milk (or buttermilk)
  • ⅓ cup olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra savory flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the fresh herbs ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the roasted butternut squash purée, milk, olive oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  5. Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in the grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese if using, which adds a rich, savory depth.
  6. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula or back of a spoon for even baking.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
  8. Cool before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the bread sets properly and slices cleanly.

Notes

  • Roast squash ahead of time: cut in half, bake at 400°F until tender, then scoop and mash for purée.
  • Herbs can be swapped with sage, chives, or dill according to preference.
  • Freezer-friendly: Wrap cooled loaf tightly and freeze up to 3 months for convenience.
  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian