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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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4 from 72 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a deliciously savory quick bread that combines the sharpness of cheddar cheese with the fresh, aromatic flavors of chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or enjoying on its own with butter, this soda bread is easy to make and requires no yeast or rising time, making it an ideal comfort bread baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

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 the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly greasing or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
  3. Add Herbs and Cheese: Fold in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring they are well mixed into the flour mixture.
  4. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour the buttermilk into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet, sprinkle a little extra flour to make it manageable, but avoid overworking it to keep the bread tender.
  5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches thick.
  6. Score the Bread: Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the dough all the way through to the base. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional soda bread appearance.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.

Notes

  • The fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, using about one-third of the amount.
  • Use cold buttermilk straight from the refrigerator for best results.
  • Ensure the soda bread is cooked through by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.
  • Soda bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked but can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to 2 days.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and vinegar or lemon juice.

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