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Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe

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5 from 66 reviews

This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a delightful twist on traditional soda bread, featuring a medley of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it combines the tangy flavor of buttermilk with aromatic chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, creating a flavorful, rustic loaf with a tender crumb and crispy crust. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Herbs and Cheese

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the soda bread to rise and develop a nice crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
  3. Add Herbs and Cheese: Add the 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped chives, 1 tablespoon each of chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture. Stir well to incorporate these flavorful ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Pour in the 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk, stirring until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. Do not overmix; just combine until no dry flour remains.
  5. Knead Lightly: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a couple of times until it forms a smooth ball. Avoid overkneading to prevent the bread from becoming tough or not rising properly.
  6. Shape the Dough: Shape the dough ball into a 7-inch circle by patting it out with your hands, aiming for an even thickness.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the shaped dough onto it. Dust the top of the dough with a little flour. Using a sharp knife, score a cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough; this helps the bread expand while baking.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is fully cooked. Test by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. The steam trapped will soften the crust, making the bread tender yet crusty. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and herb-infused soda bread!

Notes

  • Do not overknead the dough; just bring it together to ensure the bread remains light and fluffy.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact; dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
  • Scoring the bread is essential for proper rising and to avoid cracks in unwanted places.
  • Wrapping the bread in a tea towel during cooling softens the crust while maintaining texture.
  • Serve warm for the best flavor; great with butter or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.

Find it online: https://crispcharm.com/cheddar-and-herb-soda-bread-recipe/