Why Make This Recipe
Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. This bread is not only easy to make but also brings a comforting aroma to your kitchen as it bakes. Combining the sharp taste of cheddar cheese with fragrant herbs, this soda bread becomes the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or simply enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter. Its rustic nature and hearty texture make it a warm and inviting choice for any meal, adding a touch of homestyle charm to your table.
How to Make Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
Making Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is simple and quick. The beauty of this recipe lies in the fact that it doesn’t require yeast, so there’s no waiting for the dough to rise. Instead, baking soda acts as the leavening agent, giving it a lovely lift and tenderness. Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious soda bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary and thyme)
- 1.75 cups cold buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use a cast-iron skillet for a lovely crust.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and your choice of herbs. This step is important to ensure that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is evenly coated with the flour mixture. This will help the cheese remain suspended in the dough as it bakes.
Add the Buttermilk: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the cold buttermilk into the center. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy and sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture light.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into an 8-inch round loaf. Handle it lightly to keep the air in the dough, which helps with the rise while baking.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the shaped loaf to your prepared baking sheet or skillet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep "X" across the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand and bake evenly in the oven.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. It should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Brush with Butter: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and brush it immediately with melted butter. This adds flavor and softness to the crust.
Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This cooling period is essential for the interior to set properly.
How to Serve Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm, spread with a bit of butter, or serve it alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with hearty stews, such as Irish beef stew or vegetable soup. For a simple meal, try serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. You can even slice it thick and toast it for breakfast, topped with avocado or a poached egg. The options are endless!
How to Store Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
To keep your Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can freeze it. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature before reheating in the oven to refresh its crust and texture.
Tips to Make Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese, as it can contain anti-caking agents that affect the texture of your bread.
Don’t Overmix: Keep the mixing to a minimum once you add the buttermilk. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough bread instead of a light and airy loaf.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste. Fresh herbs can give a lovely fresh flavor, while dried herbs are equally delicious.
Serving Temperature: This bread is best served warm, but you can enjoy it at room temperature too. Just reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the warmth.
Variation
For those looking to switch it up, consider adding other ingredients to your Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread. Chopped green onions or garlic can provide an extra layer of flavor. You might also try incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory twist. You can even substitute the cheddar cheese with different varieties like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of buttermilk slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
How do I know when the bread is done?
- The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I add other cheeses?
- Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of cheese. Just keep in mind that stronger flavored cheeses will affect the overall taste of the bread.
Is it possible to slice and freeze the bread?
- Yes! Slicing and freezing the bread can be a great way to enjoy it over time. Just make sure it’s entirely cooled, then slice and wrap it tightly for freezing.
With these steps and tips, you can create a delicious batch of Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread that will surely impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy the comfort and warmth this recipe brings to your table.
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Herbed Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, combining sharp cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs for a comforting, rustic loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary and thyme)
- 1.75 cups cold buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use a cast-iron skillet.
- Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese until evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into an 8-inch round loaf.
- Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet or skillet. Cut a deep
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg