Savory Cheddar Chive Soda Bread (Printable Version)
Rustic Irish loaf with sharp cheddar and chives, tender crumb, and a golden crust. Perfect warm or with soups.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
06 - 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, plus extra as needed
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a shaggy dough forms. Add additional buttermilk one tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too dry.
05 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until it comes together, being careful not to overwork. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
06 - Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X pattern across the top of the loaf.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the loaf produces a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
08 - Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cheese creates these incredible pockets of melty goodness throughout every slice
- It comes together in about ten minutes flat, no proofing or waiting around
- That crispy golden crust with soft tender inside is absolutely addictive
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough, so handle it minimally and gently
- The X on top is not just decorative, it helps the bread bake evenly and expand properly
03 -
- Cold buttermilk and cold butter create better texture and rise
- The coarser you grate the cheese, the better those melty pockets turn out