Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a deliciously simple twist on traditional soda bread, packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy snack or alongside your favorite soup.

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 your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until everything is just combined.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring the dough together and knead gently a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rising.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a 7-inch circle. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with some flour and score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top with a sharp knife.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Once baked, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel and let it cool. The steam trapped inside will soften the crust for a tender yet crisp finish. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite fresh herbs or swap fresh herbs for 1 tbsp dried herbs if fresh aren’t available.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar added; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for texture and nutty notes.

Storage

Store soda bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a tea towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs at about one-third of the quantity, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. For this recipe, use roughly 1 tablespoon of mixed dried herbs.

Why should I not over-knead the dough?

Over-kneading soda bread can develop the gluten too much, making the bread dense and tough. Gently bringing the dough together is enough for a tender and fluffy texture.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread recipe is a delightful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, infused with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly crusty on the outside and tender inside, this quick bread requires no yeast and uses baking soda to rise, making it an ideal easy-to-make bread for any occasion.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 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 and Mix 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 together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Add the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
3. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple of times to bring the dough into a smooth ball. Avoid overkneeading as it can prevent proper rising. Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle.
4. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and place the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little more flour, then use a sharp knife to score a deep cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread bake evenly.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The wrapped steam softens the crust while the bread cools, enhancing texture. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough to ensure the bread rises properly and remains tender.
• Scoring the dough is essential to allow proper expansion during baking.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed (use about one-third of the fresh quantity).
• Check the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow when fully baked.
• Wrapping the bread in a tea towel while cooling helps soften the crust without making it soggy.

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