Cheddar Herb Soda Bread (Printable)

Quick savory buttermilk bread studded with sharp cheddar and aromatic fresh herbs

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese & Herbs

05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Stir in grated cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, and thyme until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - Create a well in the center of the mixture. Pour in buttermilk and melted butter. Mix gently with a wooden spoon just until a shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly only until it comes together into a rough ball; avoid overworking. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches wide and place on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X pattern into the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
08 - Optionally brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a glossy finish. Cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its practically foolproof even if youve never baked bread before
  • The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs makes every slice feel special enough for guests
02 -
  • Overworking the dough will make your bread tough, so handle it minimally and with confidence
  • The X on top isnt just decorative it helps the bread bake evenly and expands during baking
03 -
  • Use cold buttermilk straight from the refrigerator for the best rise
  • If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes

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