Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This version of soda bread is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. There’s no yeast or waiting for dough to rise — just mix, shape, and bake. The cheddar melts into little pockets of savory richness, while the herbs infuse the bread with freshness and depth. It’s the ideal balance of soft interior and crunchy crust, and it pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like Irish stew, chowder, or even scrambled eggs. It’s rustic baking at its best — simple ingredients, big flavor, and no fuss.
Print
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread: A Savory Twist on a Classic Irish Favorite
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a savory twist on the traditional Irish classic. This quick, no-yeast bread is filled with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and a buttery crust. It’s tender on the inside, crusty on the outside, and perfect for soups, stews, or breakfast spreads.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, and thyme until evenly distributed.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms — do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 4–5 times to bring it together into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the dough.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- This bread freezes well — slice and wrap tightly for up to 2 months.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread — simple and sturdy for that classic rustic crumb.
Baking Soda: The key leavening agent, giving the bread its rise without yeast.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the cheese and herbs.
Sugar (optional): Just a touch balances the savoriness and helps the crust brown.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that adds savory depth and cheesy goodness. Grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Use a mix of thyme, rosemary, and chives for an aromatic boost. Dried herbs can work too — just use half the amount.
Buttermilk: The traditional liquid for soda bread — its acidity reacts with baking soda for lift and a slight tang.
Egg (optional): Adds structure and color to the crust.
Garlic Powder (optional): A subtle way to enhance the savory aroma and flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly flour a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). Cut in the butter with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped herbs, tossing lightly to distribute evenly. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk (and egg, if using). Mix gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf, about 7 inches across. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on top — this helps the bread bake evenly and gives it that traditional soda bread look.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, or alongside soups and stews for a comforting meal.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving 8–10 slices. Prep time is about 15 minutes, baking takes 40 minutes, and total time is under 1 hour — perfect for a quick, freshly baked bread.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soda bread wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or toast them for a quick fix.
Variations and Customizations
Irish Cheddar and Chive Bread
Use sharp Irish cheddar and fresh chives for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Garlic Herb Soda Bread
Add minced garlic or garlic powder for a fragrant, savory loaf.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar
Mix in chopped jalapeños for a bold, spicy twist that pairs perfectly with chili.
Whole Wheat Version
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, denser bread.
Bacon Cheddar Delight
Fold in crisped bacon bits for a smoky, indulgent variation.
Beer-Infused Bread
Substitute part of the buttermilk with Irish stout or ale for a deeper flavor and tender crumb.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create the necessary acidity.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend — the texture will be slightly denser, but still delicious.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s better to grate fresh cheddar — pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
4. Do I need to knead the dough?
No — just mix until combined. Overmixing makes the bread tough.
5. Can I bake it in a cast-iron skillet?
Absolutely — it gives a crispier crust and rustic presentation.
6. What herbs work best?
Thyme, rosemary, and chives are classic, but dill or parsley work beautifully too.
7. How do I know when it’s done?
Tap the bottom — it should sound hollow and feel firm.
8. Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Yes, bake smaller rounds for 20–25 minutes or muffins for 15–18 minutes.
9. What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with salted butter, or alongside soups, stews, or Irish breakfast platters.
10. Can I add other cheeses?
Yes, experiment with Gruyère, Dubliner, or even Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread takes the beloved Irish staple and gives it a savory, flavorful twist that’s impossible to resist. The combination of sharp cheese, fresh herbs, and buttery crumb creates a loaf that’s both rustic and sophisticated. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty stew, serving it at brunch, or enjoying it warm from the oven with a pat of butter, this bread brings warmth and tradition to every bite — a true taste of Ireland’s homestyle charm.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!