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
- 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)
- 150 milliliters (2/3 cup) buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease your Dutch oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Rub in the cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped herbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round. Place it on the prepared baking sheet or in your Dutch oven.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch thick) on top of the loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack, then slice and serve warm with butter.
Notes
- Do not overmix; gentle handling keeps the bread tender.
- Use cold butter and buttermilk for the best rise.
- Add herbs at the last step for maximum freshness.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in a low oven (300°F/150°C) 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, Herb Cheddar Soda Bread, Easy Cheddar Herb Soda Bread, Homemade Cheddar Herb Soda Bread