Introduction
Welcome to our flavorful and satisfying recipe for WW Bacon and Cheddar Zucchini Bread! This delightful bread combines the savory richness of bacon with the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, all while incorporating the healthful benefits of zucchini. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a nutritious snack, this recipe is specially designed to be low in SmartPoints, making it an ideal choice for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program. This guide provides a thorough breakdown of the recipe, including detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and helpful tips.
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Ingredients
To prepare this delectable bread, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Bread:
- Zucchini: 1 medium (approximately 200 grams), grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- Bacon: 4 slices (approximately 120 grams), cooked until crispy and crumbled
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100 grams), shredded (use reduced-fat cheese to keep SmartPoints low)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup (120 grams)
- Almond Flour: 1/2 cup (60 grams)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram)
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) (use skim or almond milk to keep SmartPoints low)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters)
Optional:
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon (3 grams) (e.g., chives or parsley for added flavor)
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) (for a hint of spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bread evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly under cold water. Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini into fine shreds. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy bread.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
- Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy and browned. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil until well combined. The eggs should be beaten thoroughly, and the mixture should be smooth.
Step 6: Incorporate the Zucchini and Bacon
- Add the grated zucchini, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well to ensure that the zucchini and bacon are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to prevent a dense texture.
Step 8: Pour into a Baking Pan
- Grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, the bread is done.
Step 10: Cool the Bread
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
- Slice the bread into 12 even pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this bread (1 slice, approximately 60 grams) provides the following nutritional benefits:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 45 milligrams
- Sodium: 250 milligrams
WW SmartPoints
This recipe is designed to be low in SmartPoints, making it an excellent choice for those following the Weight Watchers program. The estimated SmartPoints value per slice is:
- Freestyle SmartPoints: 4
- PointsPlus: 4
- Beyond the Scale SmartPoints: 4
Please note that the SmartPoints value may vary slightly based on the specific brands and measurements of the ingredients used.
Additional Tips
1. Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: For a lower-fat option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether. If omitting, consider adding additional spices or herbs for flavor.
- Cheese: You can substitute the reduced-fat cheddar cheese with a different type of low-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
2. Storage
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. Thaw slices as needed and reheat in the toaster or oven.
3. Variations
- Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to enhance the flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat if desired.
- Experiment with other vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for additional nutrients and flavor.
4. Baking Tips
- Ensure that the zucchini is thoroughly squeezed to remove excess moisture. This prevents the bread from becoming too wet and ensures a better texture.
- Check the bread periodically towards the end of baking. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
5. Serving Suggestions
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a light salad, a bowl of soup, or as a savory addition to a breakfast platter. It can also be used as a base for sandwiches or served alongside eggs for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The WW Bacon and Cheddar Zucchini Bread is a satisfying and nutritious option that adheres to the Weight Watchers SmartPoints system. With its blend of savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and wholesome zucchini, this bread provides a deliciously balanced snack or meal. The recipe is crafted to be low in SmartPoints without sacrificing flavor, making it an excellent addition to your healthy eating plan.
