Irresistible Cheddar and Chive Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Introduction

Irish soda bread is a classic, quick bread that’s perfect for any occasion. This version adds sharp cheddar and fresh chives for a savory twist that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh chives, chopped
• Optional: cracked black pepper or garlic powder for extra seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease or line a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Rub the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently with a spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Score a cross on the top with a sharp knife.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Allow the bread to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or garlic powder into the dough.
• Substitute chives with fresh rosemary or thyme for a different herbal note.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 ½ cups of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Storage

Store the soda bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mild cheddar depending on your taste preference.

Why do I need to score a cross on top of the bread?

Scoring a cross on the dough allows heat to penetrate evenly during baking and helps the bread rise properly, while also giving it a traditional Irish soda bread look.

Irresistible Cheddar and Chive Irish Soda Bread Recipe

---

★★★★★

5 from 121 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This irresistible Cheddar and Chive Irish Soda Bread is a savory twist on a traditional Irish classic, combining sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a flavorful, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with your favorite soups and stews, this quick bread comes together easily without yeast and bakes to a golden crust with a soft interior.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh chives, chopped

Optional Seasonings

• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined, ensuring the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender texture.
4. Add Cheese & Chives: Gently fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives into the crumbly mixture, evenly distributing the flavorful ingredients.
5. Add Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk over the dry mixture and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread light.
6. Shape & Bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and score a deep cross on the top using a sharp knife. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious accompaniment to meals or on its own.

Notes

• For extra flavor, sprinkle cracked black pepper or garlic powder into the dry ingredients before adding the butter.
• Use cold butter straight from the refrigerator to achieve a crumbly texture in the dough.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Make sure not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Irish soda bread, cheddar chive bread, savory bread, quick bread, homemade bread, Irish recipe, baked bread, cheese bread