Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Looking for an irresistible savory quick bread that practically makes itself? This Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread is my absolute go-to when I want something hearty and brimming with flavor—no kneading, no waiting for yeast to rise! Packed with sharp cheddar and a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, it’s tender on the inside with the perfect rustic crust. Whether paired with a bowl of soup or enjoyed on its own, this loaf always disappears fast around here. Let me show you how easy and rewarding it is to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread comes together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in the final loaf. Fresh herbs brighten up every bite, sharp cheddar brings richness, and buttermilk creates that iconic tender crumb. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread; choose unbleached if you can for the best flavor and texture.
• Baking soda: Gives the bread its rise—no yeast needed, just this magical leavening agent.
• Salt: Essential to round out all the savory flavors and keep it from tasting flat.
• Fresh chives: Adds gentle onion notes and fresh color throughout the loaf.
• Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage: These herbs create a complex, aromatic background—feel free to adjust quantities to your taste!
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for a sharp cheddar for bold flavor and gorgeous cheesy pockets.
• Buttermilk: Makes the crumb incredibly tender; if you don’t have any, see below for an easy substitute.

How to Make Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Preheat

Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F (220°C) for that essential initial boost. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour or line it with parchment for easy cleanup. These little steps make sure your Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread gets its lovely crisp crust and doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is key to evenly distributing the leavening action, so you don’t end up with random pockets of soda (nobody wants a bite of that!).

Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs

Next, stir in all those chopped fresh herbs and glorious shredded cheddar. Make sure they’re evenly dispersed—each slice should show specks of green and orange. The cheese will melt into both gooey and crispy bits after baking, so no need to be shy!

Step 4: Bring in the Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix with a wooden spoon until a ragged dough just comes together. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfect. Overmixing means a tough crumb, so less is more here.

Step 5: Shape and Score the Loaf

Tip your dough onto a floured surface, flour your hands, and give it a quick knead—just 2 or 3 turns. Shape it into a rustic 7-inch circle and lift it onto your prepared baking sheet. Dust the top with a little extra flour, then use a sharp knife to score a deep cross, which helps it bake evenly and gives that authentic soda bread look.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the loaf into the oven at 425°F for 15 minutes—this high heat sets the crust. Then, without opening the oven, turn the temperature down to 375°F and bake another 30–35 minutes until the Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread sounds hollow when tapped. (That hollow knock is your signal that it’s cooked through!)

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

When it comes out, wrap the loaf in a clean tea towel as it cools. This simple trick softens the crust just enough for easy, tender slicing without losing that wonderful rustic exterior. Give it at least 30 minutes to settle before you dive in—warm, cheesy slices are worth the wait!

How to Serve Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread

Garnishes

For a finishing flair, sprinkle extra fresh chives or a bit more shredded cheddar over the warm loaf just before serving. A quick brush of melted butter on top adds a beautiful gloss and even more flavor.

Side Dishes

Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread practically begs to be enjoyed with a cozy bowl of soup or creamy stew. It’s also a dazzling addition to a brunch spread, pairing well with eggs, smoked salmon, or even as the base of an epic breakfast sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread into thick fingers and serving alongside a vibrant herb dip, or turn leftovers into savory croutons for salad. For gatherings, cut the loaf into rustic wedges and serve on a wooden board with soft Irish butter and a scattering of fresh herbs for a visually stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread snugly in a clean tea towel or aluminum foil. Kept at room temperature, Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread will stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer freshness, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To use, let it thaw at room temperature, still wrapped, to maintain moisture.

Reheating

To refresh the loaf, warm whole or sliced pieces in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until just heated through. For a crisp crust, unwrap the bread before reheating; if you want it softer, keep it covered loosely with foil.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage. The flavor will be lovely, though fresh herbs do bring a brighter note to the Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

A quick homemade substitute works perfectly: stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 3/4 cups of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re set.

Can I make Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap in a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (preferably one with xanthan gum) for the regular flour. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but it’s still delicious.

How do I know when the soda bread is fully baked?

The bread should sound hollow when you tap the bottom or the top. You can also use a skewer inserted into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Can I add other cheeses or herbs?

Yes, this recipe is flexible. Try adding gruyère, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses, and swap or add your favorite herbs like parsley or dill. Make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about pulling a golden loaf of Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread from your oven—it’s comforting, full of character, and incredibly inviting. If you’re craving a bread that’s both easy to make and truly memorable, give this recipe a whirl. Each bite is a celebration of cheese, herbs, and homemade joy. Happy baking!

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