Name: Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
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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If you are craving a loaf that’s rustic, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the sharp tang of cheddar cheese with a fragrant medley of fresh herbs, this bread delivers a cozy, comforting bite that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or any snack time. Quick to make yet rich in texture and flavor, this soda bread brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special that your whole family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round, rustic loaf of bread with a rough, cracked surface sits on a wooden slice board. The bread has a golden-brown color mixed with areas of light flour dusting on top. It shows visible herbs and small light yellow cheese pieces throughout its thick crust and crumb. The loaf is divided into large sections by deep cuts, revealing a dense but slightly crumbly texture inside. Around the board are green pine branches and pine cones dusted with snowy white. The setting is on a wooden table with a cozy, natural feel, with a white marbled texture surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma in this bread. Each component is chosen wisely to bring out the unmistakable character of traditional soda bread with a cheesy herbal twist.

4 cups all-purpose flour: The essential base that gives the bread its structure and a tender crumb.
1 ½ tsp baking soda: The magical leavening agent that helps the bread rise quickly without yeast.
1 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness that wakes up the palate.
1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage: Infuses earthy, aromatic notes that pair perfectly with cheddar.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout.
1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Provides tang and moisture, tenderizing the bread while activating the baking soda.

How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Herbs and Cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt so the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed. Next, fold in the fresh herbs along with the shredded cheddar—this step is where your bread starts developing all that inviting herb-cheese flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate Buttermilk and Form the Dough

Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined; the dough should be rustic but hold together. When you turn it onto a lightly floured surface, don’t overdo it—give it a gentle knead just twice or thrice to bring it into a smooth ball. Over-kneading will make the bread dense instead of tender and light. Shape this dough ball into a circle about 7 inches wide.

Step 3: Score and Prepare for Baking

Dust a baking sheet with flour to prevent sticking, then transfer your beautifully shaped dough onto it. Lightly flour the top as well, then take a sharp knife and score a cross roughly half an inch deep. This traditional cut helps the bread bake evenly and gives it that classic look.

Step 4: Bake Your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Place the dough in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F to jump-start the rise and crust formation. Next, reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when you tap on its base—this auditory cue proves it’s perfectly baked through.

Step 5: Cool and Rest for Perfect Texture

Once baked, wrap your warm soda bread in a clean tea towel. This gentle steaming effect softens the crust slightly, giving a lovely chewy edge that complements the tender interior. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in those wonderful flavors.

How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

A round loaf of bread with a rough, crispy golden crust sits on a thick, rustic wooden board with dark bark edges. The loaf is partially sliced, revealing three thick slices. The inside of the bread is light cream with specks of green herbs and bits of yellow cheese scattered evenly through the soft, airy texture. The background is decorated with green pine branches and frosted pinecones, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread shines with simplicity, but a little finishing touch can make it look and taste even better. Try topping slices with a slather of good quality butter, or a smear of honey butter to balance the savory sharpness. Fresh herb sprigs can add a splash of color and enhance the aroma on your serving platter.

Side Dishes

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread pairs beautifully with soups and stews, especially creamy tomato bisque or hearty beef stew. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh salad dressed with vinaigrette, or as a base for open-faced sandwiches loaded with smoked meats, avocado, or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the bread and toast it lightly before rubbing with garlic and olive oil for an improvised bruschetta base. Or turn leftovers into croutons by cubing and baking them with olive oil and herbs—perfect for salads and soups! You could also slice thick pieces, spread cream cheese and smoked salmon, then garnish with dill for an elegant appetizer plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. This will preserve its moisture and fresh flavor for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry out the bread quickly.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it and wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag. Properly stored, it will keep its freshness for up to 3 months. Just thaw the slices at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, pop the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For quick reheating slices, a toaster or skillet will also do the trick, reviving that crispy crust and melty cheese pockets.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic here, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt, or feta for a tangy touch. Just keep in mind the moisture content of the cheese to avoid altering the dough consistency too much.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries if buttermilk isn’t in your fridge. You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk, then letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This replicates the acidity that activates the baking soda perfectly.

How important is the fresh herb combination?

The trio of thyme, rosemary, and sage provides a complex herbal fragrance that truly sets this bread apart. However, if you’re short on one or two, just double up on the others or use dried herbs—just reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make this bread vegan?

You can, by swapping the buttermilk for a plant-based yogurt or milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice, and replacing cheddar with a vegan cheese alternative. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture and flavor, but it can still be delicious.

Why is the bread shaped into a cross before baking?

Scoring a cross on the dough isn’t just for looks! It helps the bread expand evenly as it bakes and is a traditional way of symbolically warding off evil spirits in Irish soda bread folklore. Plus, it creates that charming rustic appearance everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly rewarding about pulling a warm, fragrant loaf of Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe out of the oven. Its comforting taste and inviting aroma make it a perfect homemade treat any time of year. Whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying the leftovers, this bread is sure to become a beloved staple. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this simple yet spectacular bread—your taste buds will thank you!