Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a quick and flavorful bread recipe combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Perfect for a rustic snack or accompaniment to soups and salads, this soda bread is made without yeast and bakes up with a crisp crust and tender crumb in under an hour.
Ingredients
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 the 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 to distribute the leavening evenly.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients, ensuring they are well incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour the buttermilk into the bowl and stir until the dough just comes together. Do not over mix; the dough will be somewhat sticky.
- Knead Lightly and Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a couple of times to bring it into a smooth ball. Pat the dough into a 7-inch diameter circle, careful not to overwork it to avoid a dense loaf.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough circle onto it. Dust the top lightly with flour. Score a cross about 1/2 inch deep into the top using a sharp knife. This helps the bread to bake evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated 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 until the bread 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. Let it cool on a wire rack. The trapped steam softens the crust, yielding a tender yet crisp exterior. Enjoy fresh or alongside your favorite meal!
Notes
- Do not over-knead the dough; too much kneading will make the bread tough and dense.
- Scoring the dough helps it expand properly during baking and gives a classic soda bread appearance.
- Adjust herbs according to your taste or availability for different flavors.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity by half.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a quick buttermilk alternative.
- Ensure the bread is baked thoroughly—hollow sound on tapping indicates it is cooked inside.
- Wrap and cool the bread in a tea towel to keep the crust from becoming too hard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish