Print

Savory Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar and Chives

savory Irish soda bread - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy homemade Irish soda bread featuring sharp cheddar and fresh chives, with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Perfect for casual gatherings or pairing with soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
  • 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • 4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) buttermilk, cold
  • 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the oven rack in the middle. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to warm.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar if using.
  3. Cut in the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed.
  5. Slowly add cold buttermilk and gently fold with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 7-inch (18 cm) round disk about 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Do not knead.
  7. Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated cast iron skillet. Score a deep X about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep on top.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for a crispy crust.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Remove from oven and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness. Use cold butter for a tender crumb. Preheat baking surface for a crisp crust. Score the top deeply to help bread expand evenly. Let bread cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to set the crumb. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, cheddar, chives, quick bread, savory bread, easy bread recipe, no yeast bread

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/savory-irish-soda-bread-with-cheddar-and-chives-easy-homemade-recipe/