Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread (Print View)

Hearty loaf with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, great warm with butter or alongside savory dishes.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Cheese & Herbs

05 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 ½ cups cold buttermilk
10 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
11 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease surface.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly blended.
03 - Stir in grated cheddar, chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed throughout flour mixture.
04 - In separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Mix with wooden spoon or hands just until shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4-5 times, then shape into round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
07 - Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet. Cut deep X across top with sharp knife.
08 - Bake for 35-40 minutes until crust is deeply golden and skewer inserted into center comes out clean.
09 - Cool on wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crusty exterior gives way to an impossibly tender, cheesy interior that rivals any bakery loaf
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes with zero yeast or proofing time required
  • The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs transforms ordinary soda bread into something company worthy
02 -
  • Cold buttermilk is nonnegotiable here as it keeps the butter from melting too early and creating a greasy texture
  • The X cut must be deep about one third into the dough or the bread may bake unevenly in the center
  • Underbaking is a common mistake, so trust your timer and look for that deep golden brown color before removing
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting and flavor
  • Room temperature ingredients help everything come together more smoothly and evenly

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