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Savory Banana Cheddar Herb Loaf

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This Savory Banana Cheddar Herb Loaf combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs. It’s a unique and delightful fusion of flavors that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1½ cups)
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly mixed, preventing uneven rising.
  5. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs, then add the plain yogurt, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth. The wet ingredients should be well combined and slightly frothy.
  6. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the banana and cheese, gently folding to combine. Make sure not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps remaining.
  7. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Aim for a thick batter that is slightly lumpy.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on your countertop to release any air bubbles.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan.
  10. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its moist texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Be sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Watch out for overmixing the batter to avoid a tough loaf.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/cheesy-herb-infused-banana-bread-delight/