Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
If you are craving a delicious, rustic bread that bursts with flavor and texture, you are going to love this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread. It’s a wonderfully simple loaf filled with cheesy richness and the fresh, inviting aroma of herbs, all coming together in a tender yet hearty bread. This recipe is perfect for bringing that touch of homemade warmth to your table without hours of fuss, making it an absolute favorite to whip up whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in building its enticing flavor, moist crumb, and golden crust. You don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs to elevate it all.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base that gives structure to the bread and delivers that lovely, tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1 ½ tsp): The key leavening agent that reacts with buttermilk for a quick rise and perfect texture.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every other flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and herbs.
- Fresh chives (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a mild oniony brightness that compliments the savory cheese beautifully.
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (1 tbsp each, chopped): These herbs bring earthiness and complexity with their fragrant, woodsy notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star ingredient, providing bold, melty pockets of sharp, creamy flavor throughout the bread.
- Buttermilk (1 ¾ cups): Keeps the bread tender and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and herbs.
How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Herbs
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together until evenly distributed — this helps make sure your bread rises evenly and tastes balanced. Then, toss in your freshly chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage. The fresh herbs will add wonderful bursts of flavor with every bite, while the cheddar cheese will melt into delightful pockets of savory goodness.
Step 2: Add the Buttermilk and Combine
Next, pour in the buttermilk and mix everything until it just comes together into a dough. Don’t overmix here; it’s okay if the dough looks a little rough. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help your bread rise recognizably without yeast. This step is where the magic starts — that subtle tang from the buttermilk balances the cheddar’s richness perfectly.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Gently
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together gently. Just knead it a couple of times so it’s cohesive and smooth, but be careful not to overwork it as that can make the bread tough. Now, shape it into a ball and pat it out into a 7-inch round. This forms the classic rustic soda bread shape, giving it a charming, hearty appearance straight from your oven.
Step 4: Score and Prepare for Baking
Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer your dough onto it. Dust the top with a bit more flour, then score a deep cross about half an inch into the dough with a sharp knife. This scoring is essential — it helps the bread cook evenly and creates that iconic look that invites you to break it open and dig in. It also allows steam to escape, lending the bread a crisp crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Gorgeous and Golden
Place the bread in the oven and bake it at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it sounds hollow tapped on the bottom and turns a warm golden-brown hue. When it comes out, wrap the loaf in a tea towel as it cools to keep the crust delightfully soft while the interior finishes settling. This step ensures your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is tender, moist, and irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Garnishes
This bread is already packed full of flavor, but a little extra touch never hurts. Serve it with a smear of creamy butter or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil infused with garlic or chili flakes. Fresh herbs or a spread of honey butter can add a lovely contrast to the savory elements. Imagine cutting into that warm loaf and spreading it with a herby butter — pure bliss!
Side Dishes
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is fantastic alongside soups and stews, especially hearty vegetable or beef varieties. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, or alongside a cheese board when you want to impress friends with a rustic yet flavorful option. Its savory, cheesy notes complement everything from roasted veggies to a simple egg dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, try slicing the bread thick and using it as a base for an open-faced sandwich topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill. Or toast slices and serve with avocado and a poached egg for a delicious breakfast treat. You can even cut it into cubes and crisp them up to make flavorful croutons for your salad or soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread, wrap it tightly in a tea towel or place it in a paper bag to keep the crust from getting too soft. Store it at room temperature and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread easily by wrapping it well in plastic wrap followed by foil or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread can keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature to preserve the bread’s lovely texture and taste.
Reheating
To bring your leftover bread back to life, warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives that crisp exterior and warms the cheddar cheese inside, making it taste freshly baked again. Microwaving is possible but tends to soften the crust, so if you adore a crunchy outside, use the oven method.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a smoky fontina. Just keep in mind that stronger or wetter cheeses may affect texture or moisture slightly.
Do I need to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?
Fresh herbs provide the most vibrant flavor and aroma, which really shines in this bread. However, you can use dried herbs in a pinch — just reduce the quantity by about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Yes! To make a quick buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk, which is crucial for soda bread’s rise and tangy flavor.
Is it important to score the bread before baking?
Scoring is important because it helps the dough expand evenly while baking, preventing unwanted cracks. It also gives your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread that classic rustic look, making it look as inviting as it tastes.
Can I make this bread vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice as your buttermilk substitute, and swap cheddar for a vegan cheese alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly, but it can still be a delicious option.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug when you bake and eat it. It’s packed with fresh flavor, wonderfully easy to prepare, and perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you serve it as a side, snack, or star ingredient in a sandwich, it’s sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. Give this recipe a try soon and savor every comforting, cheesy bite.
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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring a blend of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly crusty on the outside with a soft, flavorful crumb on the inside, this bread is quick to make without yeast, relying on baking soda for a light rise. Ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or simply with butter.
Ingredients
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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dry Mix: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese, tossing to distribute evenly throughout the dry mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Knead and Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough only a couple of times until it forms a smooth ball. Shape the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle, being careful not to overwork it.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with a light flour coating. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread expand evenly during baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Allow it to cool this way so the steam softens the crust slightly. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not over-knead the dough to ensure a light texture and proper rise.
- Slicing the dough before baking allows for proper expansion and gives the signature soda bread look.
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use about one-third the quantity.
- Serve this bread warm with butter or alongside hearty soups and stews.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soda bread, cheddar bread, herb bread, Irish bread, quick bread, no yeast bread
