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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

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.

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 flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
  2. 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.
  3. Add buttermilk and form dough. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms. Avoid over mixing to keep the bread tender.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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