Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the kind of heartwarming loaf that has the power to transform even an ordinary day into something special. Each bite boasts a perfectly rustic crust, a tender crumb, the sharp tang of cheddar, and the brightness of fresh herbs. This bread comes together in a flash, no yeast or lengthy rising required, and the result is a golden centerpiece that’s as wonderful for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for weekend brunch. If you love quick, flavorful baking with ingredients you probably already have on hand, this is the recipe that will win you—and anyone lucky enough to share a slice—over immediately.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is how simple, familiar ingredients blend together to create such bold flavor and beautiful texture. Each ingredient has a special job—don’t be tempted to skip or swap unless you’re ready for a new adventure completely!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone giving the bread its crumb and body, so keep some extra handy for shaping.
- Baking soda: This is your leavening powerhouse—no need for yeast, just a bit of bubbly lift from baking soda reacting with the buttermilk!
- Salt: Don’t underestimate its importance; it quietly boosts savoriness in every bite.
- Fresh chives: Their gentle onion flavor adds brightness and a pop of green throughout the loaf.
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage: This herb trio is the soul of the bread, infusing it with aroma and layers of flavor—feel free to play with the ratios if there’s a favorite among them.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds irresistible richness, depth, and some delightful gooey pockets in every slice.
- Buttermilk: Essential for that tender crumb and tangy edge, plus it activates the baking soda for the signature quick rise.
How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F. This rather high initial temperature gives the bread a beautiful rise and golden crust right from the start. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with a sprinkling of flour—this prevents sticking and encourages a crisp bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick whisk or stir ensures the rising power and seasoning are perfectly dispersed—no clumps, just a unified base. You’ll want every bite to taste and rise evenly.
Step 3: Herb and Cheese Magic
Next, fold in the chopped fresh chives plus the thyme, rosemary, and sage. Tumble in the shredded cheddar cheese and give everything a lovely stir. Watch as the flour is flecked with bright green and bold orange—this is where your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread starts to come alive!
Step 4: Mix in the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk straight into the bowl. Using a sturdy spoon, start to mix until it’s mostly combined. It should look like a rough, shaggy dough—resist the urge to overwork it, as soda bread is best when handled gently for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. With flour-dusted hands, quickly bring the dough together, kneading just two or three times. Shape it into a smooth ball and then pat it into a 7-inch round—don’t fuss too much, rustic is the style here!
Step 6: Score and Bake
Place your dough on the prepared sheet and dust the top with a touch more flour for extra charm. With a sharp knife, score a deep cross—about 1/2 inch—into the top. Not only is it traditional, it helps the loaf bake up evenly and looks beautiful on the finished bread. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake 30 to 35 more minutes, until the crust is browned and the loaf sounds hollow if tapped underneath.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is done, immediately wrap it in a clean tea towel as it cools to soften the crust just a touch. Let it rest until just barely warm, then carve out a big wedge and savor!
How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Garnishes
A pat of salted butter melting into a slice is non-negotiable in my house, but try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few additional chopped fresh herbs over the top for an inviting, bakery-style finish. You could even drizzle with a little honey for a sweet-savory twist!
Side Dishes
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread pairs perfectly with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek. It’s also dreamy alongside a crisp green salad, a roast chicken, or even as a unique companion to scrambled eggs at brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice your loaf thick and serve in a lined bread basket, letting those golden, herb-speckled slices show off. Or, cube and toast some pieces for the most addictive homemade croutons. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It keeps its tenderness and flavor for up to two days at room temperature—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Need it to last longer? Slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces or wrap the whole loaf in foil and store in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to three months, retaining that scrumptious taste and aroma.
Reheating
To refresh the bread, simply pop slices in the toaster or warm the loaf in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes. The crust will perk up beautifully, and the cheese pockets will become irresistible once again.
FAQs
Can I make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread with dried herbs?
Absolutely! If you can’t get your hands on fresh herbs, use one-third the amount dried. The flavor will be a bit subtler, but still delicious and vibrant.
Why is my soda bread dense?
Soda bread relies on gentle mixing for its tender crumb. If you knead or stir too vigorously, the loaf can become dense and tough, so mix just until combined.
Can I substitute a different cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is classic for its tang and meltiness, you can experiment with other firm cheeses like Gruyère or even pepper jack for added kick.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
No buttermilk? Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you have a perfectly tangy substitute.
How will I know the bread is done?
The classic trick: tap the underside—if it sounds hollow, your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is ready to come out of the oven! The crust should be beautifully browned as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked your own bread before, Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the perfect—and most flavorful—place to start. It’s simple, forgiving, and downright comforting. I can’t wait for you to smell this baking in your kitchen and take that first warm, cheesy bite! Give it a try, and you may just find it’s your new homemade tradition.
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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread recipe yields a flavorful and cheesy loaf that is perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh herbs and cheddar cheese makes this bread a standout addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheese.
- Add liquid ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until combined.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape into a smooth ball and pat out into a circle.
- Score the dough: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet, score a cross on top, and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- Finish baking: Reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Wrap the bread in a tea towel after baking to soften the crust. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add more herbs or adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (estimated)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg