Homemade Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
The smell of sharp cheddar melting into a crusty, golden loaf is enough to pull anyone into the kitchen. This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the ultimate comfort food—craggy on the outside, tender on the inside, and marbled with pockets of melted cheese and fresh green herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 tbsp fresh chives or rosemary finely chopped
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°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, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead gently 3-5 times until it holds together in a ball.
- Shape into a round loaf and place on the prepared pan. Cut a deep "X" into the top of the loaf with a serrated knife.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- Brush the top with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven for a softer crust. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.