Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on the classic Irish bread, infused with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s quick to prepare and makes a flavorful companion to soups or a tasty snack on its own.

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 each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir together well.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped fresh herbs along with the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Mix to combine.
3. Step 3: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined into a dough.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball—avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle and transfer it to a lightly floured baking sheet. Dust the top with flour.
6. Step 6: Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and wrap the bread in a clean tea towel. Allow it to cool slightly; the steam will soften the crust. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for unique tastes.
• Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, reducing the amount by half.

Storage

Store leftover soda bread wrapped in a tea towel or paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why is this bread called soda bread?

Soda bread uses baking soda as the leavening agent instead of yeast, causing it to rise quickly without the need for proofing.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a quick and flavorful bread made with fresh herbs, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy buttermilk. Perfectly crusty on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s an easy homemade bread that doesn’t require yeast or long rising times.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the soda bread, ensuring it reaches the right temperature before the dough goes in.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
3. Add Herbs and Cheese: Incorporate the chopped fresh herbs — 2 tablespoons chives, 1 tablespoon each of thyme, rosemary, and sage — along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the flour mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
4. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Knead Lightly and Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just a couple of times until it forms a smooth ball. Over-kneading can prevent proper rising. Shape it into a 7-inch diameter circle.
6. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top with extra flour for a rustic look, then use a sharp knife to score a ½ inch deep cross on the dough’s surface. This helps it bake evenly.
7. Bake at High Heat: Bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes to develop a crust.
8. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool with a Tea Towel: Once baked, wrap the soda bread in a clean tea towel as it cools. This traps steam and softens the crust for a perfect texture. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough; it should be handled gently to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce quantity by half as dried herbs are more potent.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 ¾ cups milk plus 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for optimal rise and crust development.
• Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread — it should sound hollow.
• Store leftover bread wrapped in a tea towel or bread bag to maintain softness.

Keywords: Cheddar soda bread, herb soda bread, Irish bread, easy soda bread recipe, quick bread, buttermilk bread