Cheddar Herb Soda Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, tangy Irish bread with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, baked to a golden crust. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 55 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the flour mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Make a well in the center and pour in 1 cup buttermilk and 2 tbsp water. Stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times to form a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten to a 1-inch thick round. Cut a shallow X on top with a knife.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar Herb Soda Bread take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheddar Herb Soda Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar Herb Soda Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheddar Herb Soda Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheddar Herb Soda Bread?

Irish st. patrick’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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