Name: Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491243H32M43S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
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

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Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor. Quick to prepare and perfect for any meal, this bread offers a crusty exterior with a soft, cheesy inside.

The image shows a rustic round loaf of bread with a golden crust, sitting on a thin round wooden board. One slice is cut and placed in front, spread thickly with creamy white cheese that has small green herb pieces mixed in. The bread's inside is soft and slightly speckled with green herbs. The background has a white marbled texture with pine cones and green pine branches around the wooden board, adding a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir together. Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined.
Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together and knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rising. Shape the dough into a ball and pat it into a 7-inch circle.
Step 3: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a little flour and score a cross about ½ inch deep on the surface with a sharp knife.
Step 4: Bake the bread for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is cooked through and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam will soften the crust slightly, making it tender and flavorful. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, using about one-third the amount. This will still impart good flavor.
Try adding a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost.
Use sharp or mild cheddar depending on your taste preference to vary the cheese intensity.

Storage

Store the soda bread wrapped tightly in foil or in a bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

A rustic loaf of bread is sliced, showing a rough, golden-brown crust dusted with flour. Inside, the bread is soft and pale with specks of green herbs and swirls of melted cheese spread throughout. The loaf rests on a round, natural wood board with bark edges, surrounded by green pine branches and frosted pinecones, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Do I need to knead the dough a lot?

No, kneading should be minimal—just enough to bring the dough together. Over-kneading can make the bread dense and affect its ability to rise properly.