If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful bread that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the fresh, earthy notes of chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, every bite offers a tender crumb and a delightfully crisp crust. Whether you’re new to soda bread or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers a perfect combination of simplicity and sensational taste that will soon become a beloved classic in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe calls for a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich, fragrant, and perfectly textured loaf. Each ingredient is essential, contributing its own special character to the bread’s flavor and structure.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure while remaining tender enough to create a soft interior.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes this bread rise quickly without yeast, giving it that classic soda bread crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and herbs.
- Fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony flavor and vibrant green flecks for a fresh burst.
- Fresh thyme: Delivers subtle woodsy and citrus notes that brighten the loaf.
- Fresh rosemary: Infuses the bread with pine-like fragrance that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
- Fresh sage: Brings an earthy depth that grounds the flavor profile perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives rich, tangy creaminess and a wonderful moist crumb.
- Buttermilk: Reacts with the baking soda to create lift and imparts a slight tang, making the bread soft yet hearty.
How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat jumpstarts the baking process, allowing the soda bread to rise beautifully and develop a golden crust. An oven at the right temperature is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Herbs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure your leavening and seasonings are evenly distributed. Then fold in your fresh chopped herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with the shredded cheddar. This step spreads the flavors evenly throughout the bread so every bite is infused with cheesy, herbal goodness.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour the buttermilk into the flour-herb mixture and gently stir until a shaggy dough forms. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a few times to bring it together and smooth the surface. Avoid overworking to keep your bread tender and soft on the inside.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Now it’s time to shape the dough into a round ball and flatten it gently to about a 7-inch diameter circle. This size helps the loaf bake evenly with a nice crust all around. Shaping the dough correctly ensures an appealing rustic look and a perfect rise.
Step 5: Score the Bread
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured baking sheet. Dust the top with a little flour, then use a sharp knife to score a deep cross about ½ inch deep on the top of the loaf. This cross isn’t just traditional; it allows the bread to expand gracefully in the oven so the texture stays light and fluffy inside.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the dough in your preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to set the crust. Then lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for about 30 to 35 minutes more. You’ll know it’s done when the loaf sounds hollow if you tap the bottom, signaling that it’s fully baked through.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread and wrap it in a clean tea towel while it cools. This traps steam, softening the crust slightly while keeping it crisp enough to satisfy that crave-worthy texture. Slice your freshly baked Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe warm or at room temperature and enjoy the incredible flavors and aromas.
How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra fresh herb leaves on top of each bread slice can elevate its presentation and add an extra pop of flavor. A light brush of melted butter right after baking also enhances the crust’s sheen and richness, making it impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with soups and stews, particularly creamy tomato, hearty vegetable, or classic Irish stew. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh salad or served with sharp cheddar and a dollop of chutney for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, you can cut the loaf into wedges and serve it with an assortment of dips such as herbed cream cheese, garlic butter, or a spicy aioli. Toasting slices and using them as croutons or open-faced mini sandwiches adorned with smoked salmon or roasted vegetables make for an impressive and delicious presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover soda bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for a couple of days, maintaining its wonderful texture and flavor, perfect for morning toast or a quick cheese snack.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe by slicing it first, then wrapping the slices individually or as a whole loaf in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen bread lasts up to three months and frees you up for quick breakfasts or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
Reheat your bread gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil to restore its soft crumb and crisp crust. If you prefer a quick fix, toaster ovens or even a microwave (briefly) can warm up individual slices wonderfully, especially when topped with butter or cheese.
FAQs
Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, but since they are more concentrated, reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh herbs called for to avoid overpowering the bread.
What can I use instead of buttermilk in this soda bread recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates the acidity needed to activate the baking soda.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe is incredibly straightforward, with no yeast or rising times, making it perfect for novice bakers eager to try a quick, delicious loaf.
How can I tell when the soda bread is fully baked?
The best way is to tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. Also, the crust will be golden brown and firm to the touch. You could also use a skewer inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
Can I add other types of cheese or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan and herbs like basil or oregano to tailor the bread to your taste preferences. Just keep the quantities balanced to maintain the bread’s texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking your own bread, especially when it is this vibrant and flavorful Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of cheesy richness and fresh herbs that makes every bite a joy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough to share with friends and family at any gathering. Happy baking!
Print
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a deliciously savory quick bread infused with fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, combined with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, no-yeast bread recipe that produces a tender, crusty loaf perfect for any meal or snack, baked to perfection 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the soda bread to rise and bake properly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Add the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix these into the flour mixture.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times until smooth, being careful not to overwork it to keep the bread tender.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and then pat it out into a 7-inch (18 cm) diameter circle to help it bake evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top lightly with flour. Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross (about ½ inch deep) into the top of the dough to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully cooked and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel as it cools to trap steam and soften the crust slightly. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted at 1/3 the quantity.
- Do not over-knead the dough to avoid a tough bread.
- Make sure to score the top deeply to allow proper expansion during baking.
- Serve warm with butter or as a side to soups and stews.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
