Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Description

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a flavorful and rustic quick bread, perfect for enjoying warm with butter or alongside soups. Infused with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese, this bread combines savory flavors with a tender crumb. It’s simple to prepare and does not require yeast or long rising times, making it a great choice for a quick homemade loaf.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Herbs

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the initial bake.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir these together to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  3. Add herbs and cheese: Mix in the chopped fresh herbs—2 tablespoons chives, and 1 tablespoon each of thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture.
  4. Add buttermilk and form dough: Pour 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk into the mixture and stir until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together. Knead lightly just a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rising.
  5. Shape the dough: Pat the dough into a round 7-inch (about 18 cm) circle. Transfer it onto a lightly floured baking sheet. Dust the top of the dough with extra flour.
  6. Score the dough: Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top of the dough about ½ inch deep. This helps the bread expand evenly while baking.
  7. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully cooked. You can test doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.
  8. Cool the bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel while it cools. The steam trapped in the towel will soften the crust, giving you a tender, flavorful loaf ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough as it may result in a dense loaf that does not rise properly.
  • Using fresh herbs will provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
  • Ensure the buttermilk is fresh to help activate the baking soda properly for a good rise.
  • The scoring creates steam vents and allows even baking, so don’t skip this step.
  • Wrap the bread in a tea towel after baking to keep the crust soft rather than hardening as it cools.

Find it online: https://www.recipeothy.com/cheddar-and-herb-soda-bread-recipe/