Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Herb soda bread is a delightful twist on the classic Irish soda bread, infused with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s quick to make, requires no yeast, and delivers a flavorful, satisfying loaf perfect for any meal.

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, then add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Step 2: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently a few times to form a smooth ball—avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rise. Pat the dough into a 7-inch circle.
4. Step 4: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with flour and use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch deep into the dough.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Wrap the warm soda bread in a tea towel and let it cool. The towel traps steam, softening the crust for a tender finish. Enjoy fresh or toasted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, substitute sharp cheddar with smoked cheese or add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs—reduce the quantity as their flavor is more concentrated.
• Use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute if needed.
• To get a crispier crust, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or cast-iron skillet.

Storage

Store the herb soda bread wrapped in a clean tea towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, slice and freeze. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make herb soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

Why is it important not to over-knead the dough?

Over-kneading soda bread can develop too much gluten, resulting in a dense loaf that doesn’t rise well. Gently combining the dough keeps it tender and light.

Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

This Herb Soda Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, enhanced with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, plus sharp cheddar cheese for added richness. Quick and easy to prepare, it yields a tender, savory loaf with a crisp crust, perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or a hearty breakfast.

• 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

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 evenly.
2. Add Herbs, Cheese, and Buttermilk: Add the chopped fresh herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry mixture. Pour in the buttermilk, then stir just until the ingredients come together to form a dough. Avoid over-mixing.
3. Knead and Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a couple of times until smooth, being careful not to over-knead, as this could affect the rise. Shape the dough into a ball, then pat it out to form a roughly 7-inch diameter circle.
4. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet, then transfer the dough circle onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a bit of flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly.
5. Bake the Bread: Bake the soda bread at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is fully baked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool this way so the steam softens the crust, resulting in a tender outside. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your herb-infused soda bread.

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough; this bread relies on a light touch for proper rising and texture.
• Scoring the dough before baking allows it to expand properly and creates the classic soda bread appearance.
• Wrapping the bread in a tea towel after baking helps soften the crust through steam retention.
• You can substitute other hard cheeses for cheddar, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used if necessary – reduce the quantity by half.

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