Description
A hearty, savory soda bread studded with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs — crusty on the outside, soft and cheesy inside. Quick to make and perfect alongside soups or salads.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) all‑purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk
- 1½ cups (about 150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, chives, or a mix)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Line a baking sheet or heavy baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped herbs, ensuring they are well distributed through the flour mixture.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix — work just until combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf (about 20 cm / 8 in diameter). Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about 1–2 cm) on top of the loaf — this helps the bread bake evenly.
- If using, brush the top with melted butter to encourage browning and a richer crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if needed.
- Feel free to vary the herbs — rosemary, thyme, or a bit of parsley plus chive all work well.
- For extra flavor, mix a pinch of crushed black pepper into the dough.
- Leftovers slice nicely for sandwiches and toast well the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (≈ 80 g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
