This savory zucchini bread is grain and gluten-free, paleo, AIP and keto-friendly!
To hide or not to hide? That is the question. I am a big fan of hiding veggies as it is a palatable way to increase nutrient-density. What about hiding zucchini in a loaf of bread? I often cook with this vegetable as it can be turned into all sorts of things like pasta, noodles, fritters, lazagna etc. Zucchini has a neutral taste, so it’s quite easy to add it to other meals.
There are many sweet zucchini breads out there and, as a contrarian, I was more drawn to create my own savory bread. And I like how versatile this bread is, as compared to its sweet varieties. You can make it go with salads, soups or top with ham, for example. It’s also a great picnic recipe! For convenience sake, you can turn this bread into zucchini muffins. Just divide the batter evenly in the muffin tin and bake in the oven until a toothpick comes out clean. About 20 minutes.
Find out more nutrient-dense bread recipes:
Plantain Flatbread – This flatbread has long been my staple bread. Its crispy texture makes it a tasty addition to any meal.
Plantain Socca with Fresh Herbs and Collagen – Another nutrient-dense flat bread.
THE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS COCONUT FLOUR BREAD
Zucchini
This is the main ingredient! Since foods baked with coconut flour are known for being on the drier side, zucchini adds moisture to the bread.
Coconut Flour
Did you know that coconut flour is neither flour, nor starch, but rather “fiber”? The name “coconut flour” is a bit misleading because it behaves differently from many other flours. You usually need much less coconut flour to replace other flours.
Thyme, Lime and Garlic
Thyme, zesty lime and garlic add a savory note to this low carb bread.
Coconut Oil
I used coconut oil in this recipe. Alternatively, it can be replaced with palm shortening.
Gelatin
Allergen-free alternative to eggs. If you tolerate egg yolks use 3 yolks and 3 gelatin eggs. Or, you can replace gelatin eggs with whole eggs (1:1 ratio), if you tolerate them well. For AIP stick to the gelatin only version.
Now, grab all the ingredients and let’s make this bread!
Savory Zucchini Bread
Author: Zesty Paleo
Servings: 1 loaf
Prep time: 10 mins
Total time: 1 hour 10 mins
Ingredients
1 small lime, zested and juiced*
2 cups coarsely shredded zucchini**
¾ cup coconut flour
1-2 Tbsp dry thyme (or tarragon)
1 tsp. garlic powder***
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. celtic sea salt (more for sprinkling)
½ cup melted coconut oil
4 gelatin eggs****
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Zest and juice the lime. Set aside.
- Shred the zucchini coarsely and set aside.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the coconut flour, thyme, garlic powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Add the melted coconut oil to a large bowl. Stir in gelatin eggs and mix in the lime juice with zest.
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. Fold in zucchini.
- Transfer the batter into the loaf pan smoothing out the top with your fingers or a spatula. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cooked through.
- Allow to cool completely, preferably overnight.
- Serve with any meal and enjoy!
Notes:
*You can use 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar instead.
**1 medium zucchini.
***You can substitute with 3 or 4 fresh garlic cloves.
****See notes under Gelatin (above) for possible varieties. To make 4 gelatin eggs mix well 4 tbsp of gelatin with 4 tbsp of warm water. Add 8 tbsp of hot water to the mixture and whisk vigorously. Use immediately. Tip: It’s easier to make 2 gelatin eggs at a time.
AIP BY SEASON COOKBOOK
Maria is the blogger behind the Zesty Paleo website. As a Hashimoto's patient for more than a decade, Maria has constantly been taking steps to improve her quality of life, including nutrition and lifestyle choices.
This is delicious. Only thing I recommend is less salt and let cook outside of the loaf pan. This bread is kid tested and approved! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your feedback, Deonna: it’s great to know that my zucchini bread recipe is kid-approved!
I made this today with a different coconut flour that I have in my area, Arrowhead Mills Organic Coconut Flour. It made a very dense loaf (typical of coconut flour breads especially without eggs or other starches) that had to set overnight in the refrigerator. I let it cool completely in the oven and it still was not set, so into the refrigerator it went. The result tastes good but presentation is no where near your picture! I will keep experimenting and see if I can get a better loaf as I know coconut flour brands differ wildly in baking. At least after setting in the refrigerator it held up. I cannot toast it as once it gets warm, the gelatin looses its binding properties and the slices fall apart. But a good, savory “bread” to serve with meals where you don’t want something sweet. I have been in the elimination phase of AIP for several months now to help with Crohn’s Disease and had an abundance of zucchini… thanks for the recipe inspiration!
This looks so good! What toppings is it best with?
Many toppings, for example caramelized onions, olives or bacon, go well with this bread. I also love my zucchini bread with rilettes (sort of meat spread we have in France).
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
This bread should keep well for at least one week. Although it doesn’t last more than 4 days in my fridge!
I’m confused with your comment regarding tolerating eggs. I don’t want to use gelatin at all, so, how many eggs would I need to use in this recipe?
You can use 4 eggs.
Help! I’m not sure what I did wrong but mine came out very wet and didn’t set. I’m thinking my problem might have been too much oil but I measured as instructed. I got more of a mush than a bread :/
It can be related to the coconut flour you are using as it can be more or less gritty. You may try to add a bit more flour (coconut or even cassava flour) or reduce coconut oil.
If I’d rather use eggs, should I use 4?
Yes, you can!
Hi can I use applesauce instead of eggs ?
Thank you