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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, infusing fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese for a savory loaf perfect as a side or snack. It’s quick to prepare, requires no yeast, and delivers a soft interior with a slightly crisp crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Herbs & 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

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the freshly chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the dry mixture.
  3. Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir the ingredients until just combined into a sticky dough. Avoid overmixing to ensure proper rising.
  4. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead very lightly just a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Pat the dough into a 7-inch diameter round.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Flour a baking sheet lightly and place the dough round on it. Dust the top with a little flour and score a deep cross about ½-inch deep across the top with a sharp knife.
  6. Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool slightly; the steam will soften the crust for a delightful texture. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough as soda bread relies on baking soda and acid for rise, harsh handling can result in a dense loaf.
  • Fresh herbs can be varied to your preference; rosemary and sage lend earthiness, while chives add a mild onion flavor.
  • Buttermilk is essential to react with the baking soda providing lift and tenderness.
  • Wrap in a tea towel after baking to keep the crust soft rather than hard and crunchy.
  • This bread is best consumed within 2 days or freeze slices to store longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: soda bread, cheddar soda bread, herb bread, Irish bread, quick bread, savory bread, homemade bread

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