Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread – Best Savory Bread

Warm, rustic, and packed with flavor, Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the perfect recipe for chilly evenings when you crave something hearty and homemade—without the wait. This savory soda bread skips yeast in favor of baking soda and buttermilk for a quick rise and tender crumb. With sharp cheddar and fresh herbs folded right in, every slice delivers an aromatic, cheesy bite that’s as good with soups and stews as it is on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy, Herb-Infused Soda Bread

If you’re looking for a quick bread recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease, this cheddar and herb soda bread checks every box. No kneading marathons or rising times here—just a simple mix, shape, and bake. The sharpness of the cheddar contrasts beautifully with earthy herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. It’s the kind of bread that feels homemade and luxurious at the same time, making it a great addition to holiday meals or casual weeknight dinners.

This no-yeast bread is ideal for:

• Last-minute baking
• Cold-weather comfort food
• Pairing with soups, stews, or cheese boards
• Adding an herby, cheesy twist to your bread basket

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the bread
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the acid in buttermilk to give the bread its rise
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors
• Fresh Chives: Mild oniony flavor that complements the cheddar
• Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Sage: Earthy herbs that bring a woodsy, aromatic quality
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dough, adding richness and sharpness
• Buttermilk: Essential for activating the baking soda and giving the bread a tender texture

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

If you’re short on a few ingredients, no need to panic. There are plenty of easy swaps to keep your cheddar and herb soda bread on track.

• Cheddar Cheese → Try sharp white cheddar, gruyère, or a smoked cheese for added depth
• Fresh Herbs → Use 1 tsp dried herbs for every 1 tbsp fresh. Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence can work in a pinch
• Buttermilk → Mix 1¾ cups milk with 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes until curdled

These substitutions won’t just save the recipe—they can even inspire new flavor combinations.

How to Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread from Scratch

1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly flour a baking sheet and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir well.
2. Add Herbs and Cheese
   Stir in the chopped chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, evenly distributing throughout the flour mixture.
3. Mix the Dough
   Pour in 1¾ cups of buttermilk. Stir until just combined. The dough should be shaggy but cohesive.
4. Shape the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just 2–3 times to form a ball. Pat the dough into a round about 7 inches in diameter.
5. Score and Bake
   Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Dust the top with flour and score a deep “X” across the top using a sharp knife—about ½ inch deep.
6. Bake in Two Stages
   Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F. Continue baking for another 30–35 minutes. The bread is done when the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Serve
   Wrap the freshly baked loaf in a clean tea towel to soften the crust slightly as it cools. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Irresistible Soda Bread Every Time

• Don’t Overmix: Over-kneading will make your bread tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Score Deeply: A pronounced “X” helps the bread bake evenly and gives that classic soda bread look.
• Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also use a thermometer; 200°F internal temp is ideal.
• Soft Crust Tip: Wrapping in a towel post-bake creates gentle steam that keeps the crust from becoming too hard.

Mentioning these details not only improves the texture of your cheddar and herb soda bread but also boosts your baking confidence.

What to Serve with Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread

Cheddar and herb soda bread is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to enjoy and adapt it:

• With Soup: Pair with tomato basil soup, creamy potato leek, or hearty chili
• For Breakfast: Toasted slices with butter and a poached egg on top
• Cheese Board Companion: Serve alongside sharp cheeses and fruit preserves
• Add-In Ideas: Mix in caramelized onions, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet twist
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure
• Make-Ahead: The dough is best baked immediately, but the baked bread can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months

No matter how you serve it, this savory bread is a showstopper with very little effort.

A Slice of Comfort with a Story

Cheddar and herb soda bread evokes the cozy, homespun charm of old-world kitchens—no yeast, no waiting, just simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Rooted in traditional Irish soda bread, this cheesy, herb-flecked version feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.

It’s more than a recipe—it’s a seasonal ritual. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again during the winter months.

Whether you’re planning a festive holiday table, craving a warm bite with your soup, or simply want a break from store-bought loaves, this soda bread is the perfect answer.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about baking a loaf of cheddar and herb soda bread—especially when the weather turns crisp and the kitchen fills with the scent of melted cheese and fresh herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe brings all the comfort of traditional Irish soda bread with a flavorful, modern twist. Ready in under an hour and perfect for any meal, it’s a dependable go-to that delivers warm, rustic charm with every slice.

From weeknight dinners to festive holiday tables, this bread has the versatility, simplicity, and bold flavor to steal the show. Try it once, and it’s sure to become part of your seasonal baking tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple and White Cheddar Tart: This savory-sweet tart features sharp white cheddar and crisp apples, making it a perfect companion to cheddar and herb soda bread. The flavor pairing is comforting and rustic—ideal for fall or winter gatherings.
• Soft Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: A soft, subtly spiced bread that shares the homemade appeal and earthy flavor profile of soda bread. It’s great toasted with butter or served alongside soup for a hearty seasonal meal.
• Smoked Gouda and Apple Crostini: This crostini offers creamy smoked gouda, crisp apple slices, and a hint of herbs—making it a perfect appetizer or snack that complements the flavor palette of herbaceous, cheesy breads.

Print