Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Introduction

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a celebration of unbeatable flavor and simple baking. With no yeast or rising time required, this bread comes together in under an hour, boasting a golden crust and a tender, cheesy crumb inside. The blend of sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs makes it an instant favorite—perfect for soup nights, brunch spreads, or just a cozy slice slathered with butter.

Why Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a Must-Bake

This recipe delivers the comfort of homemade bread without the fuss. The tang of buttermilk combines effortlessly with mature cheddar and aromatic herbs, creating a savory loaf that’s both rustic and elegant. Fresh out of the oven, the bread’s warm, cheesy aroma will have everyone gathering around the table.

Choosing the Best Cheese and Herb Combinations

For the ultimate Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread, opt for a sharp, aged cheddar. It melts beautifully and adds depth to every bite. When it comes to herbs, classic choices like chives, parsley, and thyme complement the cheese perfectly, while rosemary or dill can offer a unique twist. Mix and match to suit your flavor preferences or what’s already in your pantry.

Getting the Perfect Texture Without Yeast

Baking soda and buttermilk work together to lift the dough, resulting in a light, airy crumb. Handle the dough gently—overmixing can make the bread tough. Shape into a rustic round and slash the top for that iconic soda bread look.

Serving Suggestions for Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread shines as an accompaniment to hearty soups, salads, or Sunday roasts. For a satisfying snack, serve slices toasted with a pat of butter or a scoop of herbed cream cheese. It also pairs well with poached eggs or smoked salmon for a decadent brunch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields one medium-sized loaf, providing 8–10 hearty slices. Each slice contains about 180–220 calories, depending on your cheese and herb selection—a savory treat enjoyed in moderation.

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Recipe (Recap)

This easy bread brings together rich cheddar and fresh herbs without any kneading or rising. It’s the ideal crowd-pleasing bread for sharing, toasting, or savoring alongside your favorite meals.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making grocery shopping and weekly meal planning a breeze.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped herbs (and optional pepper, if using).
3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix with a fork or your hands until just combined. Do not overwork—it’s fine if the dough is a little shaggy.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round loaf, about 2 inches thick.
5. Transfer the loaf to your prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (X) on top—this helps the loaf cook evenly.
6. Brush the top with a little extra melted butter for a golden crust.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Weekly Meal Planning

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is perfect for planning your week—bake it on Sunday and enjoy fresh bread for days. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to generate smart, consolidated shopping lists and minimize forgotten ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates ingredient totals across all scheduled recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by grocery section for faster, easier shopping
– Prevents overbuying and reduces food waste
– Makes weeknight dinner prep faster and more enjoyable

Pro tip: When planning several meals from scratch, schedule your recipes to let CookifyAI combine ingredients—if you need cheddar for two recipes, it adds them up so you buy just the right amount.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of fresh, cheesy bread anytime with this simple, crowd-pleasing Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread!