Cheddar And Herb Soda Bread (Print Version)

Savory quick bread with sharp cheddar, parsley, chives, and thyme. Ready in under an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese & Herbs

05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
02 - Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper in large bowl until blended.
03 - Stir grated cheddar, parsley, chives, and thyme into dry mixture until evenly distributed.
04 - Create well in center. Pour buttermilk and melted butter into well. Mix with wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead briefly until combined into rough ball. Shape into 7-inch round loaf.
06 - Place loaf on prepared sheet. Cut deep X in top with sharp knife. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow when tapped.
07 - Brush warm loaf with melted butter for glossy finish if desired. Cool slightly on wire rack before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour with zero yeast and zero waiting time
  • The cheese creates these irresistible pockets of savory richness throughout
  • Fresh herbs make it taste like something from a proper bakery, not a quick afterthought
02 -
  • Overworking the dough makes it tough, so stop as soon as it holds together
  • The X cut is functional, not decorative, it helps the center cook through properly
  • The hollow tap test is the most reliable way to tell if soda bread is done
03 -
  • Irish cheddar has a perfect sharpness for this recipe, but any quality cheddar works beautifully
  • If you only have dried herbs, use half the amount and add them with the flour

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