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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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 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

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