Description
A rustic and flavorful Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread that combines the tangy taste of buttermilk with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. This quick bread is easy to prepare, requires no yeast, and bakes into a warm, golden loaf perfect for enjoying with soups, stews, or on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Herbs and 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
- Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Mix in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage along with the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the flour mixture.
- Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but should form a rough ball.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a couple of times to smooth it out, being careful not to overwork it as this affects rising. Shape the dough into a ball, then pat into a 7-inch diameter circle.
- 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 cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough. This helps steam escape and allows the bread to rise properly.
- 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 (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown 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 while it cools. The wrapped steam will soften the crust slightly, making a tender yet flavorful loaf ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Do not over-knead the dough; overworking can make the bread dense and prevent proper rising.
- Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, especially alongside soups and stews.
- Leftover bread can be toasted the next day to refresh its texture.
- Make sure to score the dough deeply enough to help the bread bake evenly and rise properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Keywords: Cheddar soda bread, Herb soda bread, Irish bread, Quick bread, Buttermilk bread, Savory bread
