Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Sharp Cheddar and Chives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a flattened round about 1 inch thick.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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