Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
	
	
		A hearty and flavorful Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread made with fresh herbs, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttermilk, delivering a rustic loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and stews.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Nethan
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 45 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 1 hour
 
							- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
 
							- Category: Bread
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: Irish
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			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
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- 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, stirring well to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
 
- Add herbs and cheese. Incorporate the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage along with the shredded cheddar cheese into the dry mixture, mixing gently to combine.
 
- Add buttermilk and form dough. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms. Avoid over mixing to keep the bread tender.
 
- Knead lightly and shape. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just a couple of times until smooth. Shape it into a ball and pat into a 7-inch diameter circle.
 
- Prepare for baking. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a little flour and use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps with rising and even baking.
 
- Bake the bread. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
 
- Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool this way to soften the crust through steam, keeping the bread moist and tender inside.
 
- Serve and enjoy. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, perfect with butter, soups, or sandwiches.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Do not over-knead the dough or it will become dense and heavy.
 
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma.
 
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes before using.
 
- Store leftover bread wrapped in a tea towel or in a bread box to maintain crust texture.
 
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy toasting later.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
 
							- Calories: 200
 
							- Sugar: 1.5g
 
							- Sodium: 350mg
 
							- Fat: 7g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 4g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 27g
 
							- Fiber: 1.5g
 
							- Protein: 7g
 
							- Cholesterol: 20mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: soda bread, cheddar bread, herb bread, Irish bread, quick bread, savory bread