Cheddar Herb Soda Bread has become my absolute go-to for those evenings when I need something delicious and comforting on the table fast. I first discovered this amazing recipe from a neighbor who brought a loaf to a potluck, and the aroma of warm cheese and fresh herbs filling the air was irresistible. This easy cheddar herb soda bread is incredibly simple to whip up, using basic pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick cheddar herb quick bread that delivers big on flavor. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

Get ready to fall in love with this amazing bread! It’s incredibly versatile and so satisfying.

Quick to make: Seriously, you can have this homemade cheddar herb soda bread ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Incredibly cheesy: Packed with sharp cheddar, every bite is a gooey, savory delight.
Fresh herb flavor: Chives and thyme bring a bright, aromatic lift that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now for this easy cheddar herb soda bread.
Perfect texture: A slightly crisp crust gives way to a tender, moist interior.
Versatile serving: This savory cheddar herb soda bread is fantastic with soups, stews, or just slathered with butter.
No yeast needed: Thanks to baking soda, you get a lovely rise without any long proofing times.

Ingredients for Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

This easy cheddar herb soda bread recipe comes together with simple pantry staples and fresh flavors. You’ll find that the ingredients are straightforward, making this a truly homemade cheddar herb soda bread you can whip up anytime.

4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our loaf
1 ½ tsp baking soda – this is what gives our soda bread its lift without yeast
1 tsp salt – for enhancing all the flavors
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives – adding a mild oniony bite
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves – for that wonderful earthy, aromatic note
1 ¾ cups buttermilk – the essential liquid that reacts with baking soda for leavening and adds tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – the star of our savory cheddar herb soda bread! Use good quality cheese for the best flavor.
2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar – optional, but helpful for creating a quick buttermilk substitute.

How to Make Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

Making this easy cheddar herb soda bread is a breeze, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine! Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time.

Amazing Cheddar Herb Soda Bread 1-Hour Recipe - Cheddar Herb Soda Bread - additional detail

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.
Step 2: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! Mix 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar with 1 ¾ cups milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks slightly curdled; this is your homemade buttermilk substitute for this wonderful soda bread with cheddar and herbs.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Then, add about three-quarters of the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together – you’ll start to smell those amazing herbs!
Step 5: Pour in your buttermilk (store-bought or homemade) and stir gently with a fork or spatula until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix at this stage; we’re aiming for a tender crumb in our homemade cheddar herb soda bread.
Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for just about 10-15 turns, until it comes together into a cohesive ball. Overworking the dough will make your cheddar herb quick bread tough, so be gentle!
Step 7: Shape the dough into a round disc, about 1½ to 2 inches thick. Carefully transfer it to your prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the loaf. This creates a lovely cheesy crust as it bakes.
Step 9: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep “X” across the top of the dough. This traditional soda bread score helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape.
Step 10: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the loaf is beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 11: Once baked, let your delicious cheddar herb soda bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the interior to set properly.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

I’ve made this savory cheddar herb soda bread more times than I can count, and these little tricks have elevated it every single time. They ensure you get that perfect texture and flavor with minimal fuss.

Don’t overwork the dough! Soda bread relies on a light touch for its tender crumb. Just a few gentle kneads are all you need.
Use cold buttermilk. This helps create a flakier texture as it bakes.
Bake on a hot oven. A high initial temperature is key for that classic soda bread crust and rise.
Fresh herbs make a difference. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh chives and thyme really make this herbed cheddar soda bread sing.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheddar Herb Soda Bread?

The secret lies in not overmixing the dough and using cold buttermilk. This combination ensures a tender interior and a beautiful rise, making it the best cheddar herb soda bread.

Can I make Cheddar Herb Soda Bread ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough up to an hour before baking. Mix the dry ingredients and herbs, then stir in the buttermilk and cheese just before shaping. This quick cheddar herb quick bread is best baked soon after mixing.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheddar Herb Soda Bread?

Avoid overworking the dough; it leads to a tough loaf. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as it’s crucial for the leavening of this cheddar and herb soda bread. Don’t skip scoring the top!

Best Ways to Serve Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

This versatile cheddar herb soda bread is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right dishes. Its savory notes and tender crumb make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. I love serving this homemade cheddar herb soda bread alongside hearty soups and stews, like a creamy tomato soup or a rich beef stew; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop!

It also makes a wonderful side for chili or a simple salad. For a more casual approach, slice it up and serve it warm with a generous smear of butter – it’s a delightful snack or appetizer that always disappears quickly. This herbed cheddar soda bread is truly a crowd-pleaser!

Nutrition Facts for Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

This savory cheddar herb soda bread is a delicious treat, and knowing the approximate nutritional information can help you fit it into your diet. Per generous slice (which is about 1/8 of the loaf), you’ll find these values to be quite balanced for a baked good.

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of loaf)
Calories: Approx. 250-300
Fat: Approx. 8-12g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 4-6g
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4-6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
Sugar: Approx. 2-4g
Protein: Approx. 8-10g
Cholesterol: Approx. 20-30mg
Sodium: Approx. 400-500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of cheddar cheese and buttermilk.

How to Store and Reheat Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

This homemade cheddar herb soda bread is truly best enjoyed fresh, but I’ve found ways to keep it delicious for a few days. Properly storing your soda bread with cheddar and herbs ensures you can enjoy its savory goodness whenever the craving strikes. After baking, let your loaf cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial; warm bread traps moisture, which can make the inside soggy, and we definitely don’t want that for our lovely cheddar herb quick bread.

Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way at room temperature, your cheddar and herb soda bread should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of this herbed cheddar soda bread. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

What makes soda bread “soda” bread?

Soda bread gets its name from the leavening agent used: baking soda. Unlike yeast breads that require time to rise, baking soda reacts with an acidic ingredient (like buttermilk) to create carbon dioxide gas bubbles, giving the bread its lift quickly. This is what makes this cheddar herb soda bread recipe so fast!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for my cheddar herb soda bread?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you don’t have fresh chives or thyme on hand, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh – so, roughly 2 teaspoons of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried chives. Make sure to rub the dried herbs between your fingers before adding them to release their flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover cheddar and herb soda bread?

This savory cheddar herb soda bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. This is a great way to always have some homemade cheddar herb soda bread on hand!

Can I add other ingredients to this cheddar herb quick bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with this simple cheddar herb soda bread. Some popular additions include a pinch of black pepper, a tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat, or even some caramelized onions mixed into the dough for a deeper, sweeter flavor. It’s a very forgiving recipe!

Variations of Cheddar Herb Soda Bread You Can Try

While this classic cheddar herb soda bread is fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to see what delicious twists I can come up with. Here are a few ideas for variations on this easy cheddar herb soda bread:

Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add 1-2 finely minced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients. This creates a wonderfully zesty cheddar herb quick bread that pairs great with chili.
Gluten-Free Cheddar Herb Soda Bread: You can adapt this recipe using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly; start with a bit less buttermilk and add more if the dough seems too dry.
Garlic Parmesan Twist: Swap out some of the cheddar for grated Parmesan cheese and add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the dough for a savory Italian-inspired soda bread with cheddar and herbs.
Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Swirl: For a unique flavor and color, swirl in a tablespoon or two of mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree into the dough. This adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to your herbed cheddar soda bread.