Savory Cheddar Herb Irish Soda Bread
A quick and easy homemade Irish soda bread infused with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, offering a tender crumb and a crispy golden crust. Perfect for breakfasts, soups, or as a comforting side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
- Stir in the chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or your hand until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 3-4 times to form a rough round shape.
- Place the dough onto the prepared baking surface. Score a deep ‘X’ across the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use cold butter to create a tender crumb. Avoid overmixing or overkneading to prevent dense bread. Score the dough deeply to help it expand evenly. If crust browns too quickly, tent with foil. For a crisper crust, bake on a preheated baking stone or add a pan of hot water to the oven for steam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of t
- Calories: 210
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Irish soda bread, cheddar herb bread, savory bread, quick bread, homemade bread, rosemary, thyme, cheddar cheese