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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a quick and easy homemade bread recipe featuring sharp cheddar cheese and a blend of fresh herbs. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior, this soda bread requires no yeast, relying instead on baking soda and buttermilk for a light, airy texture. Ideal as a savory side or snack, it captures rustic charm with minimal effort and great flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Herbs

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the soda bread.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed.
  3. Add Herbs and Cheese: Add the chopped fresh herbs—2 tablespoons chives, 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon rosemary, and 1 tablespoon sage—along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to incorporate the herbs and cheese into the flour mixture thoroughly.
  4. Combine with Buttermilk: Pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough bread.
  5. Form the Dough: Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a couple of times, enough to form a smooth ball. Do not overknead as it can inhibit proper rising.
  6. Shape the Bread: Shape the dough into a ball, then gently pat it out into a 7-inch diameter circle.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with some extra flour. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross about ½ inch deep on the surface of the dough to help it bake evenly.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Afterward, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the bread is cooked through and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel while it cools. This traps steam which softens the crust for a tender yet crusty finish. Slice and enjoy your fresh cheddar and herb soda bread!

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for best flavor; if substituting dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh.
  • To make buttermilk substitute, add 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups milk, let sit 5 minutes until curdled.
  • Do not overknead the dough to ensure the bread stays light and fluffy.
  • Scoring the dough helps the bread expand evenly as it bakes.
  • Wrapping the bread in a tea towel after baking helps soften the crust through steam.

Keywords: cheddar soda bread, herb soda bread, quick bread, Irish soda bread, savory bread, buttermilk bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cheddar-and-herb-soda-bread-recipe-2/