Rosemary Cheddar Soda Bread

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

A savory twist on traditional Irish soda bread, featuring fresh rosemary and sharp cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 65 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 280 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: Cut 2 tablespoons cold cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Step 5: Create a well in the center and pour in 1 cup buttermilk; stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms (do not overmix).
  6. Step 6: Transfer dough to a floured surface, gently knead 3-4 times, and shape into a 1-inch-thick round.
  7. Step 7: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rosemary Cheddar Soda Bread take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 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 Rosemary Cheddar 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 Rosemary Cheddar 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 Rosemary Cheddar 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 Rosemary Cheddar 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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