Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Introduction
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh herbs for a savory, comforting loaf. This quick bread is perfect for beginners and pairs wonderfully with soups or salads.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
- Step 2: Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring it together gently and knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rising.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle and transfer it to a lightly floured baking sheet. Dust the top with some extra flour and use a sharp knife to cut a cross about ½ inch deep into the dough’s surface.
- Step 5: Bake the bread for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Step 6: Once baked, wrap the soda bread in a clean tea towel and allow it to cool. The steam will soften the crust, making each slice tender and delicious.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of fresh herbs you enjoy or substitute dried herbs if fresh are not available—use about one-third the amount of dried herbs.
- For a sharper flavor, mix in some aged or smoked cheddar.
- If buttermilk is not on hand, make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ¾ cups milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Storage
Store the soda bread wrapped in a tea towel or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh by warming in a low oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead—just reduce the quantity to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How can I tell when the soda bread is fully baked?
The bread will sound hollow when you tap the bottom gently. You can also check that it is golden brown on the outside and has a firm crust.
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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful, hearty loaf. Perfectly crusty on the outside and tender inside, it’s a quick bread that requires no yeast or rising time, ideal for a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and mix dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly.
- Add herbs and cheese: Stir in the freshly chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the dry mixture.
- Incorporate buttermilk and form dough: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined into a dough.
- Knead and shape dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just a couple of times to create a smooth ball; avoid over-kneading. Pat the dough into a 7-inch round shape.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and place the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top with flour and use a sharp knife to score a deep cross about ½ inch deep into the dough.
- Bake at high heat: Bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes to get a good rise and initial crust formation.
- Reduce temperature and continue baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool wrapped in a towel: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool; this helps create a soft crust by trapping steam.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and enjoy your warm cheddar and herb soda bread with butter or your choice of spreads.
Notes
- Do not over-knead the dough to ensure proper rising and texture.
- The sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and richness; you can use mild cheddar if preferred.
- Fresh herbs are key for flavor; dried herbs may be used but reduce quantity accordingly.
- Ensure the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom to confirm it is baked through.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
- Great served warm with butter, soups, or stews.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Keywords: cheddar soda bread, herb soda bread, quick bread, Irish bread, cheddar bread, savory soda bread
