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To make Cheddar Herb Soda Bread, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a clear list: - 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. It gives a nice texture. - 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the bread rise. It is key for soda bread. - 1 teaspoon salt: Salt adds flavor. It balances the taste of the bread. - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated: This cheese gives a rich flavor. Grate it finely for good mixing. - 1/2 cup fresh herbs: Use herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. Chop them finely for the best taste. - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk: This adds moisture. It also gives a slight tang to the bread. - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness. It helps make the crust golden. These ingredients work together to create a tasty and simple soda bread. The mix of cheese and herbs brings a wonderful flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven. Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat is perfect for baking bread. 2. Prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help the bread not stick. 3. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together well to mix evenly. 4. Incorporate cheese and herbs. Fold in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh herbs. This adds a tasty punch to your bread. 5. Combine wet ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry mix. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. 6. Form the dough. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. The dough should feel a bit sticky. 7. Knead the dough. Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and knead it gently a few times until it holds together. Aim for a rough ball shape. 8. Shape the loaf. Form the dough into a flat round loaf, about 1-2 inches thick. Place it on your prepared baking sheet. 1. Score the dough. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross on the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the bread cook evenly and expand. 2. Bake the bread. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread should turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. 3. Check for doneness. Once baked, remove the loaf and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness! For the best flavor in your Cheddar Herb Soda Bread, choose herbs wisely. Fresh chives, parsley, and thyme work wonders. They add a burst of freshness that elevates the bread. You can also try rosemary or dill for a twist. If you want to change the cheese, you have options. Try gouda or mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta adds a nice tang, while pepper jack can spice things up. Each cheese brings its own flair, so feel free to experiment. One key to great soda bread is not over-mixing the dough. Mix just until the ingredients come together. This keeps the bread tender and light. If you mix too much, your bread can turn out dense. To achieve a perfect crust, shape the dough gently. Keep it about 1-2 inches thick. Scoring the top helps, too. Make a deep cross with a sharp knife before baking. This allows steam to escape and helps the bread rise beautifully. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor to the bread. Consider using a combination of your favorites for a more complex taste. Check the Cheese: Use a sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or feta for a unique twist. Avoid Over-Mixing: Be careful not to over-mix the dough. This will keep the bread light and fluffy rather than dense and chewy. Serve Warm: Enjoy the bread warm right out of the oven, complemented by herbed butter or olive oil for a delightful experience. {{image_4}} You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your needs. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well in baking. Just check the package for the right amount to use. For those who avoid dairy, substitute buttermilk with a mix of plant milk and vinegar. This gives a similar tang. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative instead of regular butter. These swaps keep the bread tasty and moist. Want to spice things up? Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dough. These will give your bread a nice kick. You can also mix in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost. If you prefer something sweet, try adding honey to the dough. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. These will add a lovely sweetness to each bite. Experimenting with flavors makes this bread even more fun to make! To keep your Cheddar Herb Soda Bread fresh, store it in a cool, dry place. Wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag. This helps the bread breathe and keeps the crust crunchy. If you want to keep it longer, use an airtight container. This method keeps the bread soft but may soften the crust a bit. Both ways work, but choose based on your texture preference. To enjoy your soda bread warm again, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method warms the bread evenly and keeps it moist. If the bread feels stale, you can refresh it. Lightly sprinkle the loaf with water. Then, wrap it in foil and heat in the oven for about 10 minutes. This trick adds moisture back into the bread, making it soft again. Soda bread is a simple bread made without yeast. It uses baking soda as a leavening agent. The baking soda reacts with buttermilk to create air bubbles. This gives the bread its light texture. It is quick to make and doesn't need long rising times. Yes, you can freeze Cheddar Herb Soda Bread. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature. You can check if the bread is fully baked by tapping the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it is done. You can also check the color. The bread should be a golden brown. If you have a thermometer, the inside should reach 190°F (88°C). Cheddar Herb Soda Bread pairs well with many things. You can serve it warm with herbed butter. Olive oil for dipping is also a great choice. It goes well with soups or stews, adding flavor and texture. You can even enjoy it with cheese or jam for a snack. This article covered how to make Cheddar Herb Soda Bread. You learned about key ingredients, from flour to buttermilk. We went through the steps, from mixing to baking. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and texture. You can even try variations for different tastes. Remember, baking is fun and allows for creativity. Enjoy making your soda bread any way you like!

Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

A deliciously flavorful bread infused with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for serving warm.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, and thyme), finely chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure a uniform mixture.
  • Carefully fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the finely chopped fresh herbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed within the flour mixture; this will infuse the bread with delicious flavor.
  • Form a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture, then pour in the buttermilk and the melted unsalted butter.
  • With a wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture until just combined. Take care not to over-mix, as this may lead to a denser bread. You want the dough to remain somewhat sticky.
  • Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead gently a few times, just until the dough holds together and forms a rough ball.
  • Shape the dough into a flat round loaf, approximately 1-2 inches thick, and carefully transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
  • With a sharp knife, score a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) across the top of the loaf. This technique not only aids with even cooking but also allows the bread to expand beautifully while baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is a lovely golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm with herbed butter or olive oil for dipping.
Keyword cheddar, herb bread, soda bread