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Hearty Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread for Cozy Winter Nights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 53 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Description

This Hearty Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is a comforting, flavorful loaf perfect for cozy winter nights. Combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage, it offers a delightful savory twist on traditional soda bread. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own with butter.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser texture)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda (ensure it’s fresh for best rise)
  • 1 tsp Salt (reduce to ½ tsp for lower sodium)

Herbs

  • ½ cup Fresh Chives (can substitute with green onions or omit)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or use dried herbs, reduce total by 1 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (or use dried herbs, reduce total by 1 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Sage (or use dried herbs, reduce total by 1 tsp)

Cheese

  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be used as alternatives)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1½ cups Buttermilk (can be replaced with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to create the perfect baking environment for your soda bread.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Add herbs and cheese: Mix in the freshly chopped herbs and shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly to ensure even flavor throughout the dough.
  4. Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk, stirring gently with a spoon until the dough begins to come together but is still slightly sticky.
  5. Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, just enough to bring it into a cohesive ball without overworking.
  6. Shape dough: Form the dough into a smooth ball, then pat it down into a roughly 7-inch diameter circle.
  7. Prepare for baking: Transfer the shaped dough onto a floured baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a cross into the top of the dough to help it expand evenly during baking.
  8. Bake at high temperature: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to develop a crust.
  9. Reduce temperature and continue baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
  10. Cool bread: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean tea towel to cool. This softens the crust and finishes the loaf beautifully.

Notes

  • Substituting whole wheat flour will yield a denser loaf with nuttier flavor.
  • Ensure baking soda is fresh to guarantee proper rise; expired baking soda will result in flat bread.
  • Fresh herbs deliver more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used by reducing the amount slightly.
  • Scoring the bread before baking helps it expand and prevents cracking.
  • Wrapping the bread in a tea towel after baking softens the crust but if you prefer a crunchier crust, allow it to cool uncovered.
  • Serve warm with butter or alongside hearty soups and stews for a comforting meal.

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Find it online: https://aswoonfulofsugar.com/hearty-cheddar-and-herb-soda-bread-for-cozy-winter-nights-recipe/