Name: Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 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; 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

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Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a quick and flavorful bread perfect for any time you want a comforting, cheesy treat. This easy recipe combines sharp cheddar with fresh herbs for a delightful twist on traditional soda bread. No yeast needed, just a simple mix and bake!

A rustic loaf of bread is shown sliced on a wooden round board with rough edges; the bread crust is golden brown and crackled with a dusting of white flour, while the inside is soft and light yellow with green herb bits and melted cheese swirled throughout. The two slices lie flat in front of the main loaf, exposing the dense, moist texture with small air pockets. The background features dark green pine branches and pinecones, creating a cozy, natural atmosphere on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture. Stir to incorporate them throughout the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Pour in the buttermilk and stir the mixture just until combined into a sticky dough.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring the dough together and knead only a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Avoid over kneading to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Shape the dough into a round about 7 inches in diameter. Place it on a lightly floured baking sheet and dust the top with a little more flour.
Step 6: Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps the bread bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake the bread for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool slightly—the steam helps soften the crust for a tender bite. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available; reduce to 1 teaspoon total because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
Try swapping the cheddar for a sharp white cheddar or a tangy goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some finely chopped jalapeño to the mix.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in a tea towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a sealed bag. To reheat, toast slices or warm gently in an oven until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a rustic loaf of bread sliced into three pieces, resting on a rough wooden board with bark edges. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a slightly cracked texture and a dusting of flour. Inside, the soft, light crumb has visible bits of green herbs and small chunks of melted cheese, giving it a speckled yellow and green appearance. The background features green pine branches and frosted pinecones on a white marbled texture, creating a cozy, natural scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Yes! While cheddar adds a great sharpness and melt, you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or feta depending on your flavor preference.

Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles that help the bread rise and become fluffy without yeast. If you don’t have buttermilk, use a milk and acid substitute to achieve the same effect.