Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Easy and Delicious Recipe

Warm from the oven and golden as a late afternoon sun this cheddar and herb soda bread evokes memories of Sunday soup nights and grandma’s trusted bread knife. It’s been trending on Pinterest for good reason. No yeast. No waiting. Just stir, bake, and enjoy fresh bread in under an hour.

This loaf is soft and tender inside, crisp at the edges, and brimming with aged cheddar, fresh garlic, and a sprinkle of dried thyme. It’s made with simple pantry staples nothing fancy. A cross between fluffy biscuits and a rustic farmhouse loaf. Just one bowl. No proofing required. Read on for the full recipe details!

This version was born after a long day of failed sourdough attempts. With only 30 minutes to spare, I created this reliable soda loaf. As a professional chef, I adjusted the ratio of milk to flour until it baked up pillowy, savory, and crave-worthy. I promise, that herby flavor twist is worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

This cheddar and herb soda bread is a low-effort recipe that offers high rewards. Here’s what makes it a lasting favorite in any cozy kitchen:

• Quick and simple: No yeast or proofing needed ready to serve in under an hour.
• Comforting textures: Crunchy outer crust with a warm, soft interior. Ideal with brothy soups or a smear of butter.
• Packed with flavor: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully with aromatic herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
• Failsafe method: It’s a mix-and-bake recipe anyone can masterperfect for beginners or seasoned bakers short on time.

Key Ingredients & Practical Tips

Here’s what you’ll need for foolproof cheddar and herb soda bread, plus a few pro tricks:

• All-purpose flour: The essential base of your doughkeep a little extra nearby for flouring your hands or surface.
• Baking soda: Responsible for lift and light textureensure it’s fresh so the bread rises properly.
• Buttermilk: Gives subtle tang and reacts with the soda to lift the dough. No buttermilk? Use a mix of 1 ¾ cups milk plus 1 ¾ tablespoons lemon juice, and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
• Cheddar cheese: For best taste and melt quality, shred it from the block rather than using pre-shredded bags.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage add fragrance and earthy flavorfeel free to swap with what’s on hand.

Pro Tip: If the dough sticks too much when shaping, lightly dust your hands and the counter. Avoid over-kneading to preserve a soft crumb.

Quick Ingredient Breakdown Table

How It Comes Together Step-by-Step

This is comfort baking at its best. Here’s how simple it is to prepare cheddar and herb soda bread:

1. Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Fold in the chopped herbs and shredded cheese. Slowly pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
2. Shape: Lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Turn out the dough, then gently knead 2–3 times until it comes together. Form into a 7-inch round loaf. Avoid overworking the doughit should feel tacky but cohesive.
3. Score: Transfer the dough to a floured baking sheet. Cut a deep cross into the center about ½ inch deepit helps the bread cook evenly.
4. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes. It’s done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
5. Cool: Remove and wrap the warm loaf in a clean tea towel. This softens the crust slightly while it cools. Slice and serve once cooled to warm.

Baking Timing Summary

Serving and Storing Tips

This cheesy soda bread makes a perfect pairing with cozy dishes and stays tasty for days:

• Slice and serve with warm soups, rich stews, or crisp green salads.
• Toast leftovers with salted butter or a dollop of cream cheese for a quick comfort snack.
• Keep extra slices wrapped in foil or a cotton tea towel at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing Tip: Allow the loaf to cool completely. Slice and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or toast directly from frozen for maximum ease.

Expert Insight on Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

This easy soda bread recipe is a rewarding way to bake savory bread without yeast or long rests. The combination of sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs transforms a traditional quick bread into something special. A moist crumb, golden crust, and just the right touch of salt make this an ideal beginner recipe or go-to side dish.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Perfecting My Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Refining this recipe took some trial and error. My first try? Way too dry and dense. But by playing with the cheese-to-liquid ratio and switching from dried to fresh herbs, I found the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. Now it’s a trusty recipe I pass along to friends every fall.

FAQs ( Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread )

Conclusion

This cheddar and herb soda bread is quick to make and endlessly comfortingwith a golden crust and a moist, herb-flecked interior. It’s a perfect addition to family dinners, cozy weekends, or great as a thoughtful food gift.

Want to add your own spin? Swap in dill for rosemary, or add a pinch of cracked pepper for extra depth. Leftovers freeze beautifully, and they’re ready toast-to-table in minutesan easy win for busy nights.

If this recipe brought warmth to your table, drop a comment or tag me on your photos! There’s truly nothing better than bread fresh from the oven, shared with someone you love.

Olivia Farnsworth

Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread Easy and Delicious Recipe

Enjoy a delightful Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread that combines fresh herbs and sharp cheddar for a flavorful twist on a classic Soda Bread Recipe Easy to make. This Beer Cheese Bread is perfect for a quick and satisfying loaf that pairs wonderfully with soups and stews. A must-try for lovers of traditional Irish Soda Bread Easy with a cheesy herbaceous flair.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 1 loaf

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, then stir.
3. Add the chopped fresh herbs (chives, thyme, rosemary, sage) and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly a couple of times to form a smooth ball, being careful not to over knead.
6. Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle.
7. Lightly flour a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it.
8. Dust the top with flour and score a cross about 1/2 inch deep into the dough with a sharp knife.
9. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
10. Continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Wrap the baked soda bread in a tea towel to cool, allowing the steam to soften the crust.
12. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread!

Notes

• For best results, use fresh herbs and good quality cheddar. Store any leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze slices for longer storage.