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Easy Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

cheddar and herb soda bread - featured image

A quick and easy soda bread recipe featuring sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy homemade loaf with a crisp crust and soft, flavorful crumb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (about 170g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (rosemary and chives recommended)
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: handful of toasted sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease your baking sheet or cast iron skillet, or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped fresh herbs, coating them evenly with the flour mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Do not over-mix.
  5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18cm) in diameter, avoiding over-kneading.
  6. Place the dough on the prepared baking surface and cut a deep ‘X’ across the top with a sharp knife.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.
  8. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overwork the dough to keep the bread tender. Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for best melt and flavor. Fresh herbs are preferred; if using dried, reduce quantity by half. Test doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Tent with foil if browning too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: soda bread, cheddar bread, herb bread, quick bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, savory bread