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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

5.2 from 10 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a savory, rustic loaf bursting with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick and flavorful bread option. With its tender crumb and slightly crisp crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, soups, or as a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Herbs & 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 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 until evenly mixed.
  2. Add Herbs, Cheese, and Buttermilk: Incorporate the chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese into the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead and Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it lightly just a few times to bring it together into a smooth ball, being careful not to overwork it so it will rise properly. Shape the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough circle onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little more flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about 1/2 inch deep into the top of the dough to help it expand while baking.
  5. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The towel traps steam which softens the crust. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your cheesy, herby soda bread.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough to ensure proper rise and light texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted with about a third of the quantity.
  • Ensure the baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.
  • Wrap the bread in a tea towel while cooling to keep the crust soft rather than hardening.
  • Serve warm with butter, soups, or stews for a comforting meal.

Nutrition

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