If you’ve ever dreamt of having a hearty, flavorful bread that’s both quick to make and utterly delicious, this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe is the perfect answer to your craving. With its golden crust, fragrant herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese melted into every bite, this bread brings a comforting warmth to any table. It requires no yeast and no long rise times, meaning you can create this rustic masterpiece in under an hour. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe offers simplicity and taste wrapped into one inviting loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this amazing Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe, you’ll want some simple ingredients that each play a vital part. From the fluffy all-purpose flour acting as the base to the fresh herbs that awaken your senses, every component enhances texture, flavor, and appearance, making this bread truly unforgettable.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure and that perfect crumb.
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda: The leavening agent that gives soda bread its characteristic rise without needing yeast.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the savory notes throughout.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds a subtle oniony freshness that brightens every bite.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme: Offers earthy, aromatic undertones to deepen the herbaceous profile.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary: Contributes piney, fragrant notes that pair beautifully with cheddar.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage: Imparts a warm, slightly peppery accent perfect for rustic breads.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of gooey richness, delivering sharp, tangy flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Provides moisture and a gentle tang that tenderizes the dough and activates the baking soda.
How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high initial heat is crucial for giving your soda bread that quick burst of rise and a crunchy, golden crust. Setting the oven early ensures it’s at the perfect temperature once your dough is ready to go in.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Herbs
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir them thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Next, mix in the fresh herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing these now ensures their flavors infuse the dough uniformly while the cheese is nestled throughout, promising delightful bites in every slice.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour the buttermilk into your dry ingredients and gently stir just until everything comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky and shaggy—resist the urge to over-mix! Transfer it onto a floured surface and knead gently a couple of times until smooth. This minimal kneading keeps the bread tender and fluffy once baked.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball and then flatten gently into an approximately 7-inch (18 cm) wide circle. This shape helps your bread bake through evenly and provides a rustic, inviting look that’s perfect for slicing and sharing.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Lightly flour a baking sheet and place your dough onto it. Dust the top with a little flour and use a sharp knife to score a deep cross into the surface, around ½ inch deep. This scoring isn’t just for looks; it allows the bread to expand properly and creates that classic soda bread appearance.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). After that initial burst of heat, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom—this is the classic sign of perfectly baked soda bread.
Step 7: Cool the Bread
Once out of the oven, wrap the bread in a clean tea towel as it cools. This step traps steam, softening the crust and allowing the bread to stay moist inside without becoming soggy. After it cools slightly, slice and savor your warm, fragrant loaf.
How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs or a small pat of butter on a warm slice causes an explosion of fresh flavors. You can also drizzle a tiny bit of honey or olive oil to add a sweet or savory contrast that complements the cheese and herbs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside creamy soups like tomato bisque or potato leek. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, adding a satisfying, chewy texture to balance softer dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch or cozy afternoon tea, slice the bread thick and arrange it with various cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits on a wooden board. You can toast slices lightly and spread with herbed cream cheese or even use it as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon or avocado.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover soda bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to two days. The bread stays moist and tender this way, ready for snacking or reheating.
Freezing
If you’ve made more than one loaf or want to keep some for later, slice the bread first and freeze the slices in a resealable freezer bag. This method lets you pull out just what you need, thawing quickly or toasting from frozen for convenience.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and crisp crust, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Wrapping the bread loosely in foil before warming can prevent it from drying out if you prefer a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar brings a classic tang, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain texture.
Do I have to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?
Fresh herbs provide the brightest, most vibrant flavor for this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since their flavor is more concentrated.
Is buttermilk necessary, or can I substitute it?
Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda to give the bread its rise and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How can I tell when the soda bread is fully baked?
The best test is tapping the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If it still feels doughy or soft inside, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Can I add other ingredients like seeds or nuts?
Yes! Adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds or even chopped nuts can add lovely texture and flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup with the herbs and cheese during mixing for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking your own bread at home, especially when it’s as flavorful and straightforward as this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe. It’s a recipe that welcomes you with its rustic charm and rewards you with warm, cheesy slices packed with fresh herb goodness. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create your own bakery-worthy bread to enjoy any time of the day.
Print
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (serves about 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
A flavorful cheddar and herb soda bread recipe that combines fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage with shredded cheddar cheese in a tender, quick-to-make bread. This traditional Irish-style soda bread is perfect for a savory snack or accompaniment to soups and stews, with a crisp crust and soft crumb, baked in just about an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients & Herbs
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the soda bread to rise and bake properly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning. Add the chopped fresh herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—as well as the shredded cheddar cheese, gently mixing them into the flour mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times until smooth, being careful not to overwork it to keep the bread tender.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and then pat it out into a 7-inch (18 cm) diameter circle, which will help it bake evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top lightly with flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross (about ½ inch deep) into the top of the dough. This helps the bread to expand and bake evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully baked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel as it cools. This traps the steam and softens the crust slightly, resulting in a tender yet crisp exterior. Slice and enjoy your cheddar and herb soda bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-knead the dough to ensure the bread remains tender.
- Scoring the dough with a cross allows the bread to expand properly and creates an attractive crust.
- Wrapping the bread in a tea towel while cooling helps soften the crust slightly without making it soggy.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs but reduce quantity to about 1 tablespoon combined.
- Serve warm with butter, soups, or stews for best flavor.
