Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a rustic, flavorful twist on the classic Irish soda bread. Infused with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, it makes a perfect companion to soups or a hearty snack on its own.

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. Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
2. Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together and knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Avoid over-kneading to ensure proper rise. Shape into a ball and pat into a 7-inch circle.
3. Step 3: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with flour, then use a sharp knife to score a cross about ½ inch deep into the dough.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully baked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
5. Step 5: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam trapped will soften the crust, making for a tender and delicious loaf. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature buttermilk for better mixing and rise.
• Substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped or added according to preference; dill or parsley work great too.
• For a crispier crust, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or tray.

Storage

Store soda bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make soda bread without fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, omit herbs for a plain cheddar soda bread.

What’s the difference between soda bread and regular bread?

Soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast, which means it doesn’t require rising time and bakes faster. It has a denser crumb and a distinctive tang from buttermilk.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, infused with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a quick bread that doesn’t require yeast or rising time, making it perfect for an easy homemade loaf with a tender crumb and a crusty exterior. Ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a flavorful snack.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves about 8) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Ingredient

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly through the dry mixture.
3. Incorporate the Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together and is evenly moistened. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the bread remains tender.
4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly knead a couple of times to bring it into a smooth ball, being careful not to over-knead as it can affect rising. Pat the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle.
5. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top with a little more flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top to help the bread bake evenly.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then lower the 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.
7. Cool Properly: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. This steaming method softens the crust slightly for the perfect texture. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Do not over-knead the dough, as it can make the bread tough and hinder rising.
• Use freshly chopped herbs for the best flavor impact.
• Buttermilk is essential for activating the baking soda to help the bread rise and adds a subtle tang.
• The scoring on top allows steam to escape, preventing uneven baking or cracking.
• Wrap the bread while warm to keep the crust soft; leave it uncovered if you prefer a crunchier crust.

Keywords: Cheddar soda bread, Herb bread, Irish bread recipe, Quick bread, Cheddar and herb loaf, Traditional soda bread, Oven baked bread