Broccoli Cheddar Forest Loaf
This gorgeous broccoli cheddar bread is one I will make time and again. Its beyond moist and packed with yummy flavors. I highly recommend sticking with the sour cream here because it is what definitely gives the loaf its incredibly soft texture.
I found this broccoli forest loaf concept online on Epicurious.com and the original recipe is from the book ‘Tenderheart’ by Hetty McKinnon. The broccoli is supposed to resemble trees that are suspended in the batter and I think that is such a beautiful idea and the bread turned out amazing visually and tastewise!
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Broccoli Forest Loaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small head broccoli, cut into long florets
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbs maple syrup
- 1½ cups flour of choice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp each chili powder, turmeric + salt
- 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cups olives, rough chop
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. LIne an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and then add in the broccoli florets. Cook for just 2 minutes. Remove and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool and dry on a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, lightly beat your egg then whisk in the olive oil, sour cream and maple syrup until smooth. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices listed above. Mix the dough until uniform – will be thick. Lastly fold in and incorporate the cheese, olives and scallions. Transfer this dough to the loaf pan and flatten down.
- Grab your broccoli and press the florets into the top of the loaf like they are upright trees. The top of the floret should be sticking out half way. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour or until the toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let it set in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 10-15 minutes prior to slicing.
could you use self rising flour?
Hi Linda, yes you can and just omit the salt and baking powder/soda
What kind of olives are good in this recipe? Green or black?
Hi Brenda, I used pitted Frescatrano olives but you can use Kalamata olives too! Enjoy!
Hi! This looks absolutely delicious! I was wondering though if you could use frozen broccoli that’s been thawed? Thank you for sharing this recipe.😃
Hi Dawn, absolutely yes you can. Just make sure its well thawed and dry! Enjoy!
Delicious! In your comments you mentioned to add the sour cream for moistness. Have you tried Greek yogurt at all? Just wondering before I give it go to bad results. Thanks for a great recipe! ❤️
Hi Liz, Yess! Glad you liked the recipe! I have not tried this recipe with yogurt but I have tried many many recipes in my kitchen that call for sour cream and replaced it with Greek yogurt and they always come out great. Having said that, I do believe sour cream lends a super soft moistness to any cake – enjoy! I would definitely make this with yogurt!
Delicious! I used green olives and replaced the sour cream with Greek yogurt. A hit with my whole family.
Hi Jay, Glad the family enjoyed and thanks for taking the time to come back and rate the recipe!
Whoa. Delicious and moist! Such a cute recipe!!
can you use self raising wholemeal flour?
Hi Ghazaia, I haven’t tried it but should work
nice
Thanks!
Wait, maple? Can I substitute that for something else?
Sugar or honey!
you could add parsley, dill, or cilantro to the batter
elevate the taste profile by adding smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder
Mix in other vegetables along with the broccoli, such as diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or spinach, to increase the variety and nutritional content
different cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan, or feta, to add complexity to the flavor.
Incorporate ingredients like caramelized onions to provide a contrast in texture
Serve the bread with a flavorful dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt-based dip
Love all your suggestions thanks for sharing them Joseph!
could I substitute honey for maple syrup or leave it out alltogether?
HI Robert, yes you can use honey. And yes, you can leave it out if you prefer…