Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delicious twist on a classic Irish favorite. Packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, this quick bread is flavorful and perfect for any meal. It’s simple to make and requires no yeast or long rising times.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the ingredients are just combined into a rough dough.
3. Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Bring the dough together and knead it gently just a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bread light.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball and then pat it out into a circle roughly 7 inches in diameter. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a little flour.
5. Step 5: Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross about ½ inch into the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes more, until the bread is fully baked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam trapped inside will soften the crust for a tender bite. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, try using aged cheddar or adding ½ cup grated Parmesan.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 tsp each of dried herbs, but reduce accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Serve warm with butter, soups, or stews for a comforting meal.
• You can replace buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice if needed; let sit 5 minutes before using.

Storage

Store leftover soda bread wrapped in a cloth or paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its crust. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for, as dried herbs are more potent. Alternatively, omit the herbs for a simple cheddar soda bread.

Why does soda bread use baking soda instead of yeast?

Soda bread relies on baking soda reacting with an acidic ingredient like buttermilk to create carbon dioxide, which leavens the bread quickly. This means no rising or fermentation time is needed, making soda bread a fast and easy bread option.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 86 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful and comforting loaf. Made with simple ingredients and buttermilk, it’s quick to prepare and baked to a golden crust with a soft, tender crumb inside. Perfect as a snack or served alongside soups and salads.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 round loaf (8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Herbs and Cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour.
2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Add the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage to the flour mixture, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Mix in Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and airy.
4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly knead the dough a couple of times to form a smooth ball, being careful not to over-knead as this can affect the bread’s rise. Shape the dough into a roughly 7-inch diameter circle.
5. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little extra flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about 1/2 inch deep into the top of the dough to help it expand evenly as it bakes.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread will be done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. This will trap steam and help soften the crust while the bread cools. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your flavorful cheddar and herb soda bread!

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough; soda bread relies on gentle mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
• Fresh herbs greatly enhance flavor but dried herbs can be used if necessary (reduce quantities to about one-third).
• Check the bread during baking towards the end to avoid overbaking which can dry it out.
• Wrap the bread in a tea towel during cooling to keep the crust soft instead of very hard.
• Soda bread is best eaten within 1–2 days or toasted the next day for the freshest flavor.

Keywords: Cheddar Soda Bread, Herb Soda Bread, Irish Bread, Homemade Bread, Quick Bread, Buttermilk Bread