Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread (Printable)
Rustic soda bread with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, perfect for soups.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease surface.
02 - Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper in large bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - Add grated cheddar, parsley, chives, and thyme. Stir until evenly distributed throughout flour mixture.
04 - Create well in center of mixture. Pour buttermilk and melted butter into well. Mix gently with wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead briefly until rough ball forms, avoiding overworking. Shape into 7-inch round loaf.
06 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Cut deep cross in top with sharp knife. Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
07 - Optional: brush warm loaf with melted butter for glossy finish. Cool briefly on wire rack before slicing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crusting sound when you slice into it is absolutely addictive
- It transforms any soup into a proper meal without requiring any bread making skills
02 -
- Work quickly once the buttermilk hits the flour, the baking soda starts working immediately
- The X cut is not decorative, it helps the center bake through properly
03 -
- Cold cheese grates more easily and prevents clumping in the dough
- Let the loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy