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
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
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
