Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives
A quick Irish soda bread cooked on the stovetop, studded with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a savory twist. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 30 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 250 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Stir in 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and gently mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix; the dough should hold together but remain slightly shaggy.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a flattened round about 1 inch thick.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Place the dough round in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 6: Using a spatula, carefully flip the bread and cook the other side for another 8-10 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives?
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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives?
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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A great twist on traditional Irish soda bread. The pan-frying made it so crispy and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Simple, quick, and delicious. My kids even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
The cheddar and chives were a perfect complement to the bread. Made for my family and they loved it!