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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/cheddar-and-herb-soda-bread-recipe/