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Freshly baked Herb and Cheese Irish Soda Bread on a wooden cutting board

Cheese and Herb Irish Soda Bread

A delightful and heartwarming Irish soda bread made with cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 4 cups 4 cups flour Use all-purpose flour for a light and airy texture.
  • 1.5 tsp 1½ tsp baking soda Key leavening agent for beautiful rise.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt Essential seasoning.
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 cups 2 cups buttermilk Adds moisture and tanginess.
  • 1 large 1 egg Binding agent for the dough.
Flavorings
  • 1 cup 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for flavor.
  • 0.5 cup ½ cup fresh herbs, chopped Fresh parsley, sage, and chives recommended.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 180ºC/360ºF and line a Dutch oven or cast iron pot with baking parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
  1. Whisk the egg into the buttermilk until well combined.
Form the Dough
  1. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until the dough comes together. Fold in the cheddar cheese and herbs.
Shape and Score
  1. Transfer the dough to the prepared pot, score a cross on top, cover with lid, and place in the oven.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Bake for 30-45 minutes until hollow when tapped and a skewer comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
  1. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for better flavor, allow buttermilk to reach room temperature for better mixing, and don’t skip scoring the bread.