This zucchini feta cornbread recipe is a moist, savory twist on classic cornbread made with fresh zucchini, tangy feta cheese, buttermilk, and self-rising cornmeal mix. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but different enough to feel like something special on the table.
I love cornbread, but I do not love dry cornbread. The best cornbread has a soft, tender texture, a little golden color around the edges, and enough flavor that it can stand on its own. This version gets extra moisture from the zucchini and a salty, creamy bite from the feta cheese.
It is a great side dish for soups, chili, barbecue, grilled chicken, or a casual family dinner. It also looks pretty with the zucchini slices baked right on top, which makes it feel a little more dressed up without adding much extra work.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Feta Cornbread
This recipe is a nice change from traditional sweet cornbread. It still has that familiar cornbread flavor, but the zucchini and feta make it more savory and flavorful.
You’ll love this recipe because it is:
- Moist and tender
- Easy to make in one baking dish
- A great way to use fresh zucchini
- Savory without being too heavy
- Perfect with chili, soup, or grilled meats
- Ready in about 35 minutes
The zucchini helps keep the cornbread from drying out, while the feta cheese adds just enough tangy flavor to make each bite more interesting.
A Savory Twist on Classic Cornbread
Cornbread is one of those side dishes that can go with almost anything, but this version has a little more personality than a basic pan of cornbread. The zucchini keeps the texture moist, while the feta adds a salty, tangy flavor that makes it feel more like a savory dinner side than a sweet bread.
I also like that this recipe is simple but still looks pretty once baked. The sliced zucchini on top gives it a homemade, garden-fresh look without making the recipe harder.
Zucchini blends into baked goods easily because it has a light flavor and adds moisture without overpowering the dish. You can learn more about zucchini and other foods through USDA FoodData Central.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Feta Cornbread
Use fresh zucchini for the best texture. Medium zucchini works well because it is tender but not too watery. If your zucchini is very large or seems extra wet, you can pat the diced pieces dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter.
Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined so the cornbread stays soft and tender.
The feta cheese adds saltiness, so I would not add extra salt beyond what the recipe calls for unless you know you prefer a saltier cornbread. Crumbled feta works well because it spreads through the batter easily.
Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after baking. It will be easier to cut and serve once it has had a little time to set.
Zucchini Feta Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs large
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 3 Zucchini medium size, one small diced, two thin round sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Cup Self-Rising Corn Meal Mix
- Oil spray to coat baking pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with no-stick cooking spray ad set aside.
- In a bowl, add eggs, buttermilk, and oil and whisk to combine together.
- Add salt and self-rising flour and mix well.
- Then add crumbled feta cheese and chopped one zucchini.
- Fold into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and arrange sliced zucchini on top in an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Let cool a little before transferring to a wire rack to cook completely.
Nutrition
Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.
What to Serve with Zucchini Feta Cornbread
This savory cornbread works well with so many meals. I would serve it with chili, soup, barbecue, roasted chicken, or a simple salad.
It would be especially good alongside a bowl of easy homemade chili or served with easy chili tacos for a casual family dinner. It also pairs nicely with lighter sides like this cranberry orange orzo salad when you want something fresh on the table.
If you are serving a pasta dinner, this cornbread would also be a fun side dish with a flavorful meal like spicy marinara penne pasta.
How to Store Leftover Cornbread
Store leftover zucchini feta cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this recipe has fresh zucchini and feta cheese, I would refrigerate the leftovers instead of leaving them at room temperature for too long.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in the oven until heated through. The oven will help bring back a little of the texture around the edges. You can also enjoy a slice cold or at room temperature if you like a softer cornbread texture.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
This recipe is simple as written, but you can make small changes depending on what you have on hand. Try adding a sprinkle of black pepper, chopped green onions, or a little fresh parsley for extra flavor. If you want a slightly stronger savory taste, a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder would also work well. You could also serve it with a drizzle of honey if you like the sweet and salty combination. The feta gives it a savory bite, but a little sweetness can balance it nicely.
More Bread Recipes to Try
If you love easy bread recipes, you may also enjoy this pumpkin bread recipe for a cozy seasonal option or this strawberry bread recipe when you want something a little sweeter.
A Savory Cornbread Side Worth Making Again
This zucchini feta cornbread is a flavorful way to change up a classic side dish. The zucchini keeps it moist, the feta adds a savory bite, and the simple cornbread base makes it easy enough for everyday meals.
It is the kind of recipe that works well when you want something homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Serve it warm, cut it into squares, and enjoy it with your favorite comfort food dinner.
Love savory cornbread recipes? Save this zucchini feta cornbread recipe to Pinterest so you can come back to it the next time you need an easy side dish for chili, soup, barbecue, or a simple family dinner.
