Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread: The Easiest, Savory Recipe EVER

Cheddar and herb soda bread is the perfect quick bread for any occasion. Warm, comforting, and bursting with savory flavor, this cheddar and herb soda bread takes the classic Irish soda bread to a whole new level. Soda bread has always been a favorite in my family, a simple yet satisfying bake that feels like home. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, a golden, crusty loaf infused with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs.

Why You Will Love This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

There’s so much to love about this recipe! First, it’s incredibly easy to make. No yeast, no kneading – just mix, bake, and enjoy. This makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you want fresh bread without the fuss. The savory combination of cheddar and herbs creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and satisfying.

This cheddar herb soda bread is more than just a quick bake; it’s a taste of home. I remember my grandmother making soda bread on chilly evenings, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished memories, made even better with the addition of sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs.

The crust is perfectly golden and slightly crisp, while the inside is soft and tender. This bread goes perfectly with soups and stews for dipping and a lovely side to your everyday. This easy soda bread recipe will become your new go to!

Ingredients Needed for This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Wet Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheese and Herbs:

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

How to Make This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. 3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, parsley, and thyme to the dry ingredients. Toss to combine, ensuring the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until well combined
5. 5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread; avoid this with this easy soda bread recipe!
6. 6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape the dough into a round loaf about 2 inches thick.
7. 7. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about 1 inch deep) into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly.
8. 8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens can vary.
9. 9. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to set properly. Serve warm for the best flavor.

How to Serve This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

This savory soda bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to hearty soups and stews. You can also use it to make incredible sandwiches.

Consider pairing it with a creamy tomato soup or a hearty beef stew. It’s also delightful with a simple salad for a light lunch. For breakfast, try toasting a slice and topping it with a fried egg.

For a truly special experience, serve it alongside a cheese board with a selection of your favorite cheeses, fruits, and nuts. The savory flavors of the bread complement the cheeses beautifully.

How to Store This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

To store any leftover cheddar herb soda bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly and place slices in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw the bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also toast individual slices for a quick and easy treat. If you’re seeking more inspiration, check out this traditional Traditional Irish Soda Bread 2 recipe!

Tips to Make This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make a world of difference in terms of flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are generally more potent.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.
• Adjust the cheese and herbs to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and herbs. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar would be delicious. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all great herb options.
• Score the top deeply: Scoring the top of the bread allows it to expand properly during baking. Make sure the cut is deep enough to allow for expansion.

Looking for inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for many more recipe ideas!!

Helpful Notes for This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

Buttermilk is key to this recipe. It adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, as well as a subtle tang that complements the cheddar and herbs. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 3/4 cups of milk. The Dutch Oven Irish Soda Bread version is also worth exploring for a unique twist.

The quality of the cheddar cheese matters. Use a good-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit melting. Shred the cheese yourself for optimal results.

If you want to add a little sweetness to the bread, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients. This will balance the savory flavors and make the bread even more irresistible.

Variation of This cheddar and herb soda bread Recipe

Spicy Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients for a kick of heat. Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Soda Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chopped olives to the dough. Rosemary and Parmesan Soda Bread: Replace the cheddar cheese with Parmesan cheese and the chives and parsley with fresh rosemary. If you enjoy baking with unique flours, you might also appreciate this Mary Berry Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this delicious cheddar and herb soda bread recipe! It’s a simple, satisfying bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. The beauty of this cheddar and herb soda bread is in its simplicity and flavor. Happy baking!

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