Description
Cheddar and herb soda bread is a quick, no-yeast savory bread that's crusty on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheesy, herby flavor. It’s the perfect companion to soups, stews, or a slather of butter—ready in under an hour with no rise time required.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs or 2 tsp dried (thyme, rosemary, or chives)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- Optional: 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a cast iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder.
- Stir in herbs and shredded cheddar until evenly mixed.
- Pour in buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf—do not overmix.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet or skillet and score an “X” into the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute buttermilk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar mixed into 1 ½ cups milk.
- Try other cheeses like gruyère or gouda for variety.
- For extra color and texture, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top before baking.
- Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy variation.
