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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

A delightful Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread recipe combining fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a flavorful, soft, and rustic bread perfect for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Herbs & 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

Liquid

  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with the shredded cheddar cheese, evenly distributing these flavorful ingredients throughout the dry mixture.
  3. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until all ingredients are just combined into a sticky dough; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
  4. Knead Lightly and Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just a few times until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and then flatten it to a circle about 7 inches in diameter.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little extra flour and score a deep cross about ½ inch into the top using a sharp knife; this helps the bread bake evenly.
  6. Bake at High Temperature: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread at 425°F for 15 minutes to develop a nice crust.
  7. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool Wrapped: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. This captures steam, softening the crust while the inside remains tender.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough to prevent a dense texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use about 1/3 the amount.
  • Testing for doneness by tapping the bottom is a reliable method to ensure the bread is fully baked.
  • For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar cheese.
  • Serve fresh with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar soda bread, herb bread, quick bread, Irish soda bread, cheddar cheese bread, fresh herbs bread