Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a wonderfully simple bread with a golden crust, studded with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh, fragrant herbs. This bread comes together quickly without any yeast, using baking soda as a leavening agent, which makes it perfect for when you want homemade bread but don’t have a lot of time. The cheddar melts into the dough as it bakes, creating pockets of cheesy goodness, while the herbs add a bright, savory touch.
I love making this bread when I want something tasty to serve with soup or a big salad. It’s one of those recipes that feels rustic but still special—like a little treat that’s perfect for both casual meals and entertaining. I often add extra herbs or even a sprinkle of garlic powder to mix things up. I find that slicing it thick while it’s still warm and slathering it with butter is simply irresistible.
What I enjoy most about this bread is how it reminds me of cozy afternoons spent baking with family or friends. It’s the kind of bread that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering smell and brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re sharing it at brunch or using it for a hearty sandwich, it always feels like a warm, comforting hug in bread form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, giving the bread a good balance of structure and tenderness. If you want a heartier texture, try half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
Baking soda: This is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise quickly without yeast. Make sure it’s fresh for best results; old baking soda can make the bread dense.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 ½ cups milk with 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor and melting pockets inside. Mild cheddar is fine if preferred. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheddar or a mix of nutritional yeast and herbs.
Fresh herbs: Chives, rosemary, and parsley give the bread a fresh, bright taste. Feel free to swap any for your favorites like thyme or dill, dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity to about 1 tablespoon total.
How Do You Handle the Dough Without Overmixing It?
With soda bread, overmixing can make it tough. The key is to mix just until the dough holds together and feels sticky but not wet.
- Start by combining dry ingredients well.
- Add buttermilk and gently stir with a wooden spoon or your hand.
- Stop mixing as soon as the dough forms a shaggy mass that you can shape.
- Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it gently—don’t knead.
This gentle handling keeps the bread tender and lets it rise properly during baking. Patience at this stage produces a soft crust and great crumb inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix dough without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially baking soda and flour.
- Wooden spoon – perfect for mixing sticky soda bread dough gently.
- Baking sheet or tray – a flat surface for baking your loaf evenly.
- Sharp knife – to score the dough’s top, helping it bake evenly.
- Wire rack – lets the bread cool properly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar for feta cheese to add a tangy, salty kick that pairs well with herbs.
- Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, chewy surprise in each bite.
- Mix in ¼ cup chopped olives for a savory, Mediterranean twist.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give a mild smoky or spicy note.
How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups (about 170g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This bread is quick to prepare, taking about 15 minutes to mix and shape the dough, and then 30–40 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 15 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving. Overall, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish to enjoy fresh soda bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Pan:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or cover it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the bread from sticking and allows for an easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. If using garlic powder, add it here as well. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
3. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Stir in the grated sharp cheddar, chopped chives, rosemary, and parsley, distributing them evenly through the dry mixture.
4. Combine with Buttermilk:
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gently mix until the dough just comes together. It should be sticky but not too wet—try to avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18cm) in diameter. Avoid kneading, which can toughen soda bread.
6. Score and Bake:
Place your loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep ‘X’ across the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly and releases steam as it bakes.
Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The bread should develop a golden brown crust and sound hollow when you tap the bottom.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for about 15 minutes. This rest allows the crumb to set and makes slicing easier.
Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread. This soda bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and salads.
Can I Use Frozen Herbs in This Soda Bread?
Yes, you can! Just use about half the amount of frozen herbs since they’re less potent than fresh. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding to the dough.
Can I Substitute Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 ½ cups of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Soda Bread?
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh it, warm slices briefly in a toaster or oven.
Can I Add Other Cheeses or Flavors?
Definitely! Try swapping cheddar for feta or adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or spices like smoked paprika to customize the flavor. Just keep the total cheese and add-in amount similar to maintain balance.
