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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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 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

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