Go Back

Winter in the Shire Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

A rustic, no-yeast savory quick bread packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh winter herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Irish, Rustic
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients & Mix-ins
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 tbsp fresh mixed herbs rosemary, thyme, parsley
  • 1.75 cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg optional

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or Cast Iron Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife for scoring

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Rub in cold cubed butter with fingers until crumbs form.
  4. Stir in cheddar cheese and chopped herbs.
  5. Whisk buttermilk and egg (if using) together, then pour into the center of flour mixture.
  6. Mix gently until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
  7. Form into a round loaf on a floured surface. Place on baking sheet.
  8. Cut a deep 'X' into the top of the dough.
  9. Bake 45-55 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped. Cool on rack.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.