Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a deliciously rustic loaf packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. Quick to prepare and perfect for any meal, it combines hearty flavors with a tender crumb and a crisp crust.

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 the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Stir to distribute the herbs and cheese well.
3. Step 3: Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the bread light.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly two or three times to form a smooth ball. Shape the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour a baking sheet and place the dough on it. Dust the top with flour and use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough.
6. Step 6: Bake the bread for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and wrap the bread in a clean tea towel to cool. This will soften the crust slightly and keep it moist.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, use mature or extra sharp cheddar cheese.
• Swap fresh herbs for dried if necessary, using about one-third the amount.
• Serve warm with butter or alongside soups and stews for a comforting meal.
• If you prefer a crustier loaf, skip wrapping it in a tea towel and allow it to cool on a rack.

Storage

Store the soda bread wrapped in a clean cloth or in a bread box at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before reheating. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds acidity, which reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

How do I know when my soda bread is fully baked?

The best way is to tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. You can also check that the crust is golden brown and that a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and fragrant fresh herbs with the simplicity of a traditional Irish soda bread. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this quick bread requires no yeast or rising time, making it an ideal savory treat for any meal or snack.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 ensure it’s hot enough for the soda bread to rise and bake properly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning. Add the chopped fresh herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—as well as the shredded cheddar cheese, gently mixing them into the flour mixture.
3. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times until smooth, being careful not to overwork it to keep the bread tender.
4. Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and then pat it out into a 7-inch (18 cm) diameter circle, which will help it bake evenly.
5. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top lightly with flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross (about ½ inch deep) into the top of the dough. This helps the bread to expand and bake evenly.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully baked and 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 as it cools. This traps the steam and softens the crust slightly, resulting in a tender yet crisp exterior. Slice and enjoy your cheddar and herb soda bread warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
• The fresh herbs can be adjusted based on your preference or what you have on hand; dried herbs can be used but reduce the quantity and rehydrate if possible.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor; other cheeses like gouda or parmesan can be substituted.
• Ensure the baking soda is fresh for proper rising.
• Wrapping the bread in a tea towel after baking helps to keep the crust from becoming too hard.

Keywords: Cheddar soda bread, herb bread, Irish soda bread, savory bread, quick bread, baked bread