Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to mix.
- Add the chopped fresh herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead lightly for just a couple of times to bring the dough together.
- Shape the dough into a ball and gently flatten it into a 7-inch circle.
- Dust a baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the sheet. Lightly flour the top of the dough.
- Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top of the dough, cutting about ½ inch deep.
- Bake the bread for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- After baking, wrap the soda bread in a tea towel to cool. This helps soften the crust and lock in the moisture.
- Enjoy your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread fresh from the oven!
Notes
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk or make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley, or even add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or nuts.
- For a softer crust, wrap the cooled bread in a kitchen towel after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg