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
Scale
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.
