Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a flavorful twist on the traditional Irish quick bread. Packed with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar, it’s perfect for a cozy lunch or a hearty snack. Best of all, it comes together quickly without any yeast or rising time.

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 the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir together thoroughly. Add the chopped fresh herbs and the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Step 2: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until all ingredients are just combined into a sticky dough.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together and knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over kneading to help the bread rise properly.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a round about 7 inches in diameter and pat it flat.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a bit more flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top, cutting about ½ inch deep.
6. Step 6: Bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Step 7: Once baked, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel and let it cool. The steam will soften the crust for a more tender bite. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 tbsp dried herbs total, but reduce slightly as dried herbs have a stronger flavor.
• For a different twist, try adding chopped jalapeños or swapping cheddar for another cheese like gouda or mozzarella.
• Be sure not to over mix or knead the dough to keep the bread tender and light.
• Brush the top with melted butter right after baking for a softer crust and extra flavor.

Storage

Store the cheddar and herb soda bread wrapped in a tea towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven until warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is important for activating the baking soda and giving the bread its tender crumb. You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why is the bread scored with a cross on top?

Scoring the bread helps it cook evenly and allows steam to escape while baking. This creates the classic shape and prevents the bread from cracking unpredictably.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 69 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a quick and flavorful bread featuring sharp cheddar cheese and a medley of fresh herbs. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a hearty snack, this traditional soda bread offers a tender crumb with a golden crust, achieved through a simple no-yeast baking method that leverages baking soda for leavening.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

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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 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 these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
2. Add Herbs, Cheese, and Buttermilk: Fold in the chopped fresh herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and stir everything together until a dough forms.
3. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop. Gently knead it just a couple of times to bring it into a smooth ball—you want to avoid over-kneading to ensure a good rise. Pat the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle.
4. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer your dough circle onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little flour, then use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top surface; this helps the bread bake evenly.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes. After this, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool wrapped to allow the steam to soften the crust. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the fresh, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough as this can result in a dense loaf.
• Chopping herbs finely ensures even distribution and maximum flavor.
• Scoring the dough allows for controlled expansion during baking and helps to create a traditional soda bread shape.
• Wrapping the bread in a tea towel after baking softens the crust by trapping steam.
• Leftover bread can be toasted the next day for a crispy finish.

Keywords: cheddar, herb soda bread, quick bread, Irish bread, cheese bread, fresh herbs, baking soda bread