Name: Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
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); 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)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread takes everything cozy and inviting about fall and bakes it into a beautifully golden loaf that’s as versatile as it is irresistible. This bread is moist from roasted butternut squash purée, bright with fresh herbs, and just the right amount of savory, making it an instant favorite for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or a comforting snack. Whether you serve it warm with a swipe of butter or alongside a hearty soup, Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread never fails to deliver pure homemade happiness in every slice.

Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised at how a handful of kitchen staples combine to make this Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread so scrumptious and aromatic. Each ingredient brings something special—tender crumb, herby fragrance, or a subtle earthy color that makes this loaf shine.

All-purpose flour: The main structure-builder for a tender, light loaf.
Whole wheat flour: Adds a lovely nutty flavor as well as a slight wholesomeness—substitute with more all-purpose if you like a lighter loaf.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for that satisfying, golden dome.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk or yogurt to give extra lift and tenderness.
Salt: Essential to round out the savory flavors and bring out the freshness of the herbs.
Ground black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a slight kick that compliments the mellow squash.
Garlic powder: Gives every bite a subtle, savory undertone—perfect for pairing with herbs.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings brightness in color and flavor to the loaf.
Fresh thyme leaves: Offers a woodsy Mediterranean flair—dried thyme works if that’s on hand.
Fresh rosemary: Chopped rosemary is wonderfully aromatic and gives the bread its signature herbal note.
Roasted butternut squash purée: The star of the show, lending color, moisture, and a delicate sweetness.
Milk (or buttermilk): Gives tenderness and slight tang—use buttermilk for even more flavor depth.
Olive oil (or melted butter): Keeps the loaf moist and adds a subtle richness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring a perfect, sliceable loaf.
Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese (optional): For an extra-savory, cheesy hit that marries beautifully with the herbs.

How to Make Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This bit of prep makes all the difference in getting the bread out smoothly and ensures a golden crust all around.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add all those gorgeous chopped herbs—parsley, thyme, and rosemary—and give everything a quick toss. This step guarantees that the leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed for every bite of Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the roasted butternut squash purée, milk or buttermilk, olive oil, and eggs until you have a smooth, sunny mixture. The squash gives it a softly golden hue that’s irresistible even before baking.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. If you’re adding cheese, this is the time to stir it in—just enough to combine. Overmixing is the fast track to a tough loaf, so keep it tender by working quickly and lightly.

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for a loaf that’s golden and fragrant, with a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean. The aroma of roasted squash and herbs will fill your kitchen—pure magic!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. This patience ensures nice clean slices and perfect texture when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread

Garnishes

Top each slice with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a fine grating of Parmesan. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sliver of good butter makes each bite of Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread even more special. For a little heat, a twist of fresh-ground black pepper on top is delicious.

Side Dishes

Try this bread alongside a bowl of hearty soup—think creamy tomato, roasted root vegetable, or chicken stew. It’s also perfect with a cozy salad, or as a savory touch on a holiday table next to roast meats and seasonal greens. Even just a bowl of olive oil for dipping transforms it into a snacky treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cube up leftover Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread for homemade croutons, or use it as the base for a unique savory bread pudding. Toast thick slices, then top with whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey for an herby breakfast twist. It’s also stunning when spread on a cheese board—guests won’t stop talking about it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bread has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate for up to five days. The herby flavors just keep developing as it sits.

Freezing

Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently reheat from frozen as needed.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bread, simply pop slices in the toaster or wrap the loaf in foil and heat in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The bread retains its moisture beautifully, so reheating brings it right back to just-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned butternut squash purée instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned squash purée saves time and works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure squash, not a seasoned or sweetened version, so you get that lovely, savory base for your Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread.

What other herbs can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Sage, chives, dill, or even a pinch of tarragon are all great choices. Swapping herbs gives your bread a whole new personality—don’t be afraid to mix and match based on what’s in your fridge or garden.

Can I make Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend for the flours with good results. Just make sure your gluten-free blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and check the bread at the lower end of the baking window.

Why is my bread dense or gummy?

Usually, this happens if the batter is overmixed or the loaf is underbaked. Mix the batter gently just until combined and always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Is it possible to make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Definitely! Divide the batter among greased mini loaf pans or muffin tins, adjust the baking time (start checking around 20 minutes), and you’ll have adorable, perfectly portioned Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread bites for sharing (or stashing for snacks).

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new way to bring warmth and flavor to your table, give Butternut Squash Herbed Quick Bread a try. Its savory aroma and soft crumb are truly comforting, while the herbs keep things fresh and vibrant. I hope this becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen—happy baking!