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Irish Cheddar Soda Bread Recipe with Creamy Herb Butter

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A quick and easy Irish cheddar soda bread with a tender crumb and sharp cheddar pockets, served with a creamy herb butter for a cozy, comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp Irish cheddar, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease your cast iron skillet.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until combined.
  3. Add the shredded Irish cheddar and stir gently to coat the cheese with flour.
  4. Slowly add the buttermilk to the dry mixture. Fold in gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a round loaf about 7 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches thick. Score a deep cross on top with a knife.
  6. Transfer the loaf to the prepared pan or skillet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and firm. A hollow sound when tapped indicates doneness.
  7. While the bread bakes, combine softened butter, parsley, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  8. Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a generous spread of the creamy herb butter.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bread. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Score the top deeply to help even baking. Use softened butter for the herb butter. If dough is too sticky, dust hands with flour; if too dry, add a splash more buttermilk. The bread can be baked in a Dutch oven or cooked on a griddle for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, cheddar soda bread, creamy herb butter, quick bread, easy bread recipe, Irish bread, sharp cheddar bread