Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread

The smell of melting cheddar and fresh herbs hitting hot flour still takes me back to a rainy Tuesday when I decided bread was too complicated but hunger was very real. This recipe became my rainy day salvation, the kind of comfort food that makes the kitchen feel like the warmest room in the house.

My roommate walked in while this was baking and actually asked what restaurant Id ordered from. The look on her face when I pulled a steaming, cheese scented loaf from our tiny apartment oven was absolutely worth the modest effort involved.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure and provides the perfect canvas for our flavorful additions
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show adding rich savory depth and irresistible melty pockets throughout
• Fresh chives: Bring mild onion flavor that brightens the rich cheese and complements the other herbs
• Fresh parsley: Adds fresh grassy notes that cut through the richness keeping each bite balanced
• Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic giving the bread that comforting rustic quality
• Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and subtle tang while activating the baking soda for proper rise
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautifully golden crust
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the dough while contributing to the golden color
• Baking soda: Our leavening agent working with buttermilk to create the signature rise
• Sugar: Just enough to balance flavors and promote browning without making it sweet
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Get your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Mix the dry foundation:

Whisk the flour sugar baking soda and salt in a large bowl until well combined

Add the flavor makers:

Stir in the cheddar chives parsley and thyme until theyre evenly distributed throughout the flour

Whisk the wet team:

In another bowl combine the buttermilk melted butter and beaten egg until smooth

Bring it together:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently with a wooden spoon just until shaggy dough forms

Shape with care:

Turn dough onto a floured surface knead gently 4 or 5 times then form into a 7 inch round loaf

Mark it classic:

Transfer to your prepared sheet and cut a deep X across the top with a sharp knife

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until deeply golden and a skewer comes out clean from the center

Patience pays off:

Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing into it

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This bread has become my go to for housewarming gifts and sick friends alike. There is something about pulling a freshly baked cheesy loaf out of the oven that says home better than almost anything else.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I have swapped in gruyère when feeling fancy added roasted garlic for extra kick and used whatever fresh herbs looked best at the market. Each variation tells a slightly different story.

The Perfect Texture

The contrast between the crusty exterior and tender interior is what makes soda bread so special. The cheese creates those irresistible pockets while buttermilk ensures each bite remains moist and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

While this bread is incredible on its own it truly shines alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or beef stew. The cheddar and herbs naturally complement so many dishes you will find yourself reaching for it constantly.

• Warm leftover slices in the oven to refresh the crust
• Try spreading with salted butter while still warm
• Use slightly stale slices to make the most incredible grilled cheese

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There is nothing quite like tearing into a warm slice of this bread while the cheese is still melty. Simple honest comfort that never fails to make any day feel a little cozier.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the herbs in this bread?

Yes, fresh or dried herbs like dill, rosemary, or your favorite herb blend work well and can customize the flavor.

→ What is the best way to store this bread?

Store at room temperature wrapped in foil or a bread bag to keep it moist for 2-3 days. Freezing is also an option.

→ How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The crust should be deeply golden and a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean indicating doneness.

→ Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

→ Is this bread good fresh or toasted?

Freshly baked with a buttery crust is ideal, but it's also delicious toasted and topped with butter or spreads.