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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

A rustic cheddar and herb soda bread combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage for a flavorful twist on traditional Irish soda bread. This quick bread is easy to prepare, requiring no yeast or rising time, and is perfect served warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.

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

  1. Preheat the Oven and Mix 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 evenly combined.
  2. Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and shredded cheddar cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
  3. Incorporate Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients come together to form a sticky dough. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough just 2-3 times to combine and form a smooth ball. Be careful not to over-knead to ensure proper rising.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Pat the dough ball into a 7-inch (18 cm) circle. Lightly flour a baking sheet and place the dough circle on it. Dust the top with a little additional flour.
  6. Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about ½ inch) into the top of the dough to help steam escape and allow proper baking.
  7. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden, cooked through, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the soda bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes; the towel helps soften the crust with trapped steam. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread tender and ensure it rises well.
  • Use sharp fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs can be used but use about one-third the amount.
  • The bread is best enjoyed the day it’s baked but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for 2 days.
  • Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to refresh the crustiness before serving.
  • Substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with milk if needed.

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

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