Cheddar And Herb Soda Bread (Printable)
Savory rustic bread with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, ready in under an hour.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
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 until a shaggy dough forms.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly just until it comes together into a rough ball. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches wide and place on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Cut a deep X into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
07 - Brush warm loaf with melted butter for a glossy finish, if desired. Cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in under an hour with zero yeast or proofing time
- The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs makes every bite irresistible
- Mix it up in one bowl and bake, no fancy equipment needed
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough, handle it minimally and with gentle hands
- The X cut is not decorative, it allows the center to cook through properly
- The hollow tap test is the most reliable way to check doneness
03 -
- Cold ingredients can hinder the rise, let everything come to room temperature first
- Brushing the warm loaf with butter adds flavor and keeps the crust soft