Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with irresistible flavors, this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, bursting with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar that create an inviting aroma and rich taste from the very first bite. Perfect for brunch, a comforting snack, or alongside your favorite soups, this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients and a straightforward process that yields an impressive, rustic loaf every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread shine. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — each element plays a key role in developing the bread’s texture, flavor, and irresistible charm.

• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb when combined with the other ingredients.
• Baking soda (1 ½ tsp): The natural leavening agent that gives the soda bread its signature quick rise and light texture.
• Salt (1 tsp): Essential for enhancing both the flavor of the bread and the sharpness of the cheddar.
• Chopped fresh chives (2 tbsp): Adds a mild oniony freshness that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (1 tbsp each): These herbs infuse the bread with earthy, aromatic depth, making each bite an herbaceous delight.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides that signature tangy, creamy richness that elevates this bread beyond ordinary soda bread.
• Buttermilk (1 ¾ cups): Reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb while adding a subtle tang that balances the cheese and herbs.

How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Herbs

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it ready for baking this lovely bread. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then toss in the fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir these all up so the herbs and cheese are evenly spread, which means flavor will be perfectly distributed throughout your bread.

Step 2: Add the Buttermilk and Form the Dough

Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix everything until it just comes together into a dough. The key here is to avoid overmixing to keep your bread nice and tender. Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple of times to bring it into a smooth ball. The texture will be rustic but manageable, exactly what soda bread should be.

Step 3: Shape and Score the Dough

Shape the dough into a round, roughly 7 inches wide, and transfer it to a lightly floured baking sheet. Dust the top with a little more flour to prevent sticking, and then score a deep cross into the top using a sharp knife. This step is not only traditional but helps the bread cook evenly and rise properly in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Pop the dough into your preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, allowing the crust to start forming beautifully. Then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, signaling it’s perfectly cooked inside.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, wrap the loaf in a clean tea towel while it cools. This little trick traps steam and softens the crust just enough to lend a pleasant chew without losing that satisfying crispness. Once cooled, slice it up and get ready to savor every bite.

How to Serve Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Garnishes

Although the bread is flavorful on its own, a dollop of soft butter or a smear of tangy cream cheese takes it to the next level. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some additional fresh chives or finely chopped herbs on top just before serving—this adds a little pop of color and freshness that matches the bread’s herby bite.

Side Dishes

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread pairs wonderfully with rich stews, creamy soups, or even a fresh green salad. Its dense texture and savory notes stand up well to bold flavors, making it a perfect companion for hearty dishes like Irish lamb stew, tomato bisque, or roasted vegetable chili.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaf into an eye-catching centerpiece by slicing it thickly and arranging the pieces in a rustic basket or on a wooden board. You can even hollow out a small portion to create a bread bowl for dips or warm cheese spreads. It’s a fantastic way to serve this bread at parties or casual get-togethers, inviting everyone to grab a piece and dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread, store it wrapped in a tea towel or a paper bag at room temperature. This keeps the crust from getting soggy while maintaining a soft interior. It’s best enjoyed within two days for peak freshness.

Freezing

To keep the bread longer, slice it before freezing so you can pull out only what you need. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. When stored this way, the bread maintains its flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat your soda bread slices in a toaster or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the crust and brings back that freshly baked aroma, making every bite taste just as lovely as the first day you baked it.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is what reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise and adds a slight tanginess, so if you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it rest for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.

What types of cheddar cheese work best?

A sharp cheddar is ideal for this recipe because its bold flavor stands out against the herbs and bread. However, a mild or medium cheddar will also work if you prefer a subtler cheese taste.

Can I add other herbs to this bread?

Absolutely! The recipe is flexible, and you can experiment with herbs like oregano, parsley, or basil depending on your taste. Just keep the total herb quantity roughly the same to maintain the right balance.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, though you might need to adjust liquid quantities and expect some differences in texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow when done. Also, the crust will be golden and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

Making Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar melds beautifully to create a loaf that’s anything but ordinary. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a go — it’s quick, rewarding, and bound to become a staple in your baking rotation. Sharing a slice with friends or family is one of life’s small joys that never gets old.

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