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
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
- 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
