This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a fantastic mix of cheesy goodness and fresh herbs. It’s easy to make and has a lovely crust with a soft inside!
Making this bread takes no time at all, so it’s perfect for when guests pop over. I love slathering it with butter right out of the oven. Yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour gives even more structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar creates a nice flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick! You can also swap it for dairy-free cheese if needed.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, and dill bring lots of flavor. Mix it up with your favorites like thyme or rosemary, or use dried herbs (just use less since they are stronger).
What’s the Best Way to Knead Soda Bread Dough?
Kneading soda bread dough is different from yeast bread, as you don’t want to overwork it. Keep it gentle, and just bring the dough together. Here’s how:
- Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Turn the dough out and use your hands to fold it and gently press it down. Do this for just about 30 seconds.
- The goal is to combine the ingredients without developing too much gluten. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Trust me, this gentle touch will give your bread a perfect texture—soft on the inside, with a wonderful crust outside! Happy baking!
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg (optional, for richer texture)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or other herbs, chopped (optional)
- Butter, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep, and then around 30–35 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. In total, you’re looking at about an hour for this delicious soda bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your bread goes in. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda for perfect rising.
3. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Now, it’s time to stir in the chopped herbs and the grated cheddar cheese. Mix them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
4. Combine with Wet Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of your dry mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and the egg if you’re using it. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more buttermilk until it comes together nicely.
5. Knead Gently:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough just a couple of times—remember, don’t overwork it!
6. Shape the Loaf:
Shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) wide and place it onto your prepared baking sheet.
7. Score the Top:
Using a sharp knife, score a deep “X” on top of the loaf. This not only looks pretty but also helps the bread to bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop the bread into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom.
9. Cool Before Slicing:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the inside to set perfectly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bread warm, ideally with a pat of butter. Enjoy every cheesy, herby bite with a side of soup or salad or just on its own as a delicious snack!
This soda bread has a lovely crumb studded with melty cheddar and fragrant fresh herbs, all wrapped in a crisp crust—perfect for snacking or alongside soups and salads.
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 1/2 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Soda Bread?
Store any leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other ingredients like cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for added flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the dough so it stays cohesive.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Soda Bread?
The best way to reheat soda bread is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the bread in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds but be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.