Description
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a rustic, no-yeast Irish bread with a golden crust and soft, cheesy crumb. Infused with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs, this easy small-batch recipe delivers homemade comfort and old-world flavor in under an hour — perfect for soups, brunches, or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 200g (about 1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 25g (about 2 tablespoons) cold butter, diced
- 75g (3/4 cup) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or parsley or thyme)
- 150ml (2/3 cup) buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
Optional Add-Ins:
- A pinch of garlic powder or paprika
- Mixed herbs or finely chopped scallions
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fingertips for butter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray or Dutch oven
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease your Dutch oven.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in cheddar cheese and herbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape the Loaf: Form dough into a round and place on the prepared tray or in a Dutch oven.
- Score the Top: Cut a deep cross on top of the loaf to help it bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.
- Cool and Serve: Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm with butter.
Notes
- Do not overmix: Gentle handling keeps the bread tender.
- Cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk help the bread rise well.
- Add-ins: Try roasted garlic or mixed cheese for variations.
- Storage: Store at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or toast before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cheddar Herb Soda Bread, Irish Soda Bread, No Yeast Bread, Savory Quick Bread, Cheddar Chive Bread