Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels utterly comforting and rustic but delivers a burst of flavor with every bite, then this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining the tangy sharpness of cheddar cheese with the fragrant freshness of herbs, this bread is a delightful twist on a classic soda bread recipe. Its tender crumb, golden crust, and the aromatic herbs make it perfect for everything from a cozy breakfast to a satisfying side for dinner. Trust me, once you try this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread, it will quickly become one of your favorite homemade treats to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the flour provides the structure, baking soda offers the necessary lift, and the herbs and cheddar bring bursts of flavor and color that make this bread so special.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it its soft yet sturdy texture.
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent to help the bread rise quickly without yeast.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness that cuts through the cheese beautifully.
• 1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage: These herbs lend earthy, piney, and slightly peppery notes for a complex character.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts into pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the bread.
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Provides moisture and a subtle tang that tenderizes the crumb and reacts with the baking soda.

How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 425°F, which ensures a nice crust right from the start. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This even distribution is key so every bite has the right lift and seasoning.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs and Cheddar

Next, stir in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage along with the shredded cheddar cheese. The herbs will infuse the bread with fresh aromatic layers, and the cheddar introduces that irresistible richness throughout the dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Buttermilk and Form Dough

Pour in the 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk and gently stir just until everything is combined. The dough will be a bit sticky—that’s perfect. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Resist the urge to over-knead; overworking can toughen the bread and stop it from rising properly.

Step 4: Shape and Score the Dough

Shape the dough into a roughly 7-inch diameter circle. Dust a baking sheet lightly with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a bit more flour and score a deep cross about ½ inch into the dough. This classic soda bread step helps the heat penetrate and allows the bread to expand evenly during baking.

Step 5: Baking Time

Bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven’s temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when you gently tap the bottom. That hollow sound is the golden signal that your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is perfectly baked inside and out.

Step 6: Cool the Bread

Once it’s out of the oven, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel and let it cool. The steam created inside the towel softens the crust slightly without losing that lovely chewiness we all love. Now you’re ready to slice into your homemade masterpiece.

How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Garnishes

This bread shines wonderfully on its own but pairing it with a pat of creamy butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate each bite. Fresh herbs scattered on top just before serving add extra eye-catching color and fragrance.

Side Dishes

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread complements soups and stews beautifully. Try it alongside a hearty tomato basil soup or a comforting bowl of Irish stew. It’s also fantastic with a simple salad or alongside a cheese board featuring pickles and cured meats for a casual appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thickly and toast it for a rustic breakfast base topped with avocado or smashed peas and a poached egg. Or turn leftovers into croutons or bread crumbs to add rich, cheesy herb flavor to salads or casseroles. The possibilities with this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread are endless and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread in a tea towel or place it in a paper bag at room temperature to keep the crust from getting too soft. It will stay fresh for up to two days, giving you plenty of time to savor every crumb.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces in an airtight bag. This way, you can pull out exactly what you need without thawing the entire loaf. Frozen bread will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To revive the bread’s fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply toast slices in a toaster or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Wrapping slices in foil before reheating helps retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs give a brighter, livelier flavor, which really makes this bread pop.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups regular milk with 1 ¾ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

You can swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk mixed with acid and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a tasty bread with those lovely herb notes.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. This indicates the inside has cooked through. Also, the bread should feel light for its size and have a golden crust.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin can add delightful crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them in along with the herbs and cheese in step 2.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is such a rewarding experience, both for the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen and the scrumptious results waiting at the end. It’s not just a loaf of bread; it’s a warm hug you can share with the people you love. So grab your apron, dive into the process, and enjoy every cheesy, herby bite!

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