Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan 

2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for pan 

3 cups shredded zucchini (from 2 medium) 

2 tablespoons sugar 

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1 tablespoon poppy seeds 

3 1/2 ounces Parmesan, shredded (1 1/2 cups) 

3 large eggs, room temperature 

1/3 cup sour cream 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush a standard 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out excess.

Place zucchini in the center of a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of cheesecloth. Gather into a tight bundle and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and poppy seeds, 30 seconds. Add 1 cup cheese; toss to evenly coat in flour mixture. In another bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, sour cream, and zucchini until smooth. Make a well in flour mixture and pour zucchini mixture into it. Stir together just until combined and no dryflour remains (do not overmix). Transfer to prepared pan. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour, 10 minutes. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer loaf to a wire rack and let cool completely. Bread can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in parchment-lined foil, up to 3 days.