Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
🍞 Ingredients:
•4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
•1 1/2 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 3/4 cups buttermilk
👨🍳 Instructions:
•Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir together. Add the chopped fresh herbs along with the shredded cheese. Add the buttermilk and stir until combined.
•Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Bring the dough together and knead lightly just a couple of times to make a smooth ball. Do not over knead the dough or it may not rise properly. Shape into a ball and pat out into a 7-inch circle.
•Lightly flour a baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and dust the top with more flour. Use a sharp knife to score a cross into the top of the dough, cutting about 1/2 inch deep.
•Bake the bread for 15 minutes and then reduce the heat to 375°F. Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes until fully baked. The bread will sound hollow when knocked on the bottom.
•After baking, wrap the soda bread in a tea towel to cool. The steam will help to soften the outside crust of the bread. Enjoy!
Soda bread is a classic quick bread that requires no yeast, making it a fantastic option for those who want delicious homemade bread without long rising times. This particular recipe combines the sharpness of shredded cheddar cheese with the vibrant freshness of herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, which add a wonderful aromatic depth and complexity. The key to perfect soda bread lies in the balance of moisture and mixing—over-kneading the dough can lead to a denser loaf and hinder proper rising due to limited gas retention. Using buttermilk in this recipe is particularly helpful as its slight acidity reacts with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which help the bread rise and develop a tender crumb. When preparing the dough, it’s important to handle it gently, kneading just a few times until coming together into a smooth ball. Scoring the top of the dough with a cross-cut not only adds a traditional look but also enables even baking and expansion. Baking in two stages, starting at a higher temperature before lowering it, helps develop a golden crust while ensuring the bread cooks through without burning. Wrapping the bread in a tea towel as it cools traps steam, softening the crust and making it irresistibly tender on the outside while fluffy inside. This cheddar and herb soda bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or served simply with butter. You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the herbs according to preference or incorporating other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different twist. For a heartier variation, consider adding seeds or oats on top before baking. Enjoy your homemade, aromatic, cheesy soda bread fresh or toasted for a delightful snack!
