There’s something so comforting about fresh, warm bread straight from the oven. And when that bread is packed with cheddar and fresh herbs? Well, you’ve just taken comfort food to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a quick, easy recipe that feels like a hug in carb form, this Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone who loves a warm, homemade treat without all the fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
- A Crowd-Pleaser – Bring this to your next gathering, and watch it disappear. It’s one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
- No Yeast, No Waiting – Forget about the hassle of waiting for dough to rise. This bread is ready in about an hour, start to finish. Perfect for those “I need bread now” moments!
- Cheddar + Herbs = Magic – The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients – You don’t need anything fancy or hard-to-find. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy – From mixing to baking, the process is simple and fuss-free, even for beginner bakers or anyone who’s short on time.
- Versatile & Delicious – Whether you serve it with soup, slather it with butter, or enjoy it as a snack, this bread is the perfect addition to any meal.
- Perfect Texture – Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. Every bite is the perfect balance of crunchy and pillowy.
Ingredients You’ll need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
How To Make Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. While it’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl, and combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
- Next, toss in your chopped herbs—chives, thyme, rosemary, and sage—along with the shredded cheddar cheese. I love the way these herbs make the kitchen smell so cozy, and the cheese? Oh, the cheese. It melts beautifully into the dough and creates the most perfect pockets of gooey goodness.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir everything together until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough. The more you knead, the tougher your bread can get, and we’re aiming for soft, pillowy, and full of flavor here.
- Now, dust your countertop with a little flour and turn the dough out. Gently bring it together into a smooth ball with your hands. You’re not looking for perfection, just a soft, slightly sticky ball of dough that’s ready to bake.
- Shape the dough into a 7-inch circle, then place it on a lightly floured baking sheet. For an extra touch of rustic charm, score a cross into the top of the dough about ½ inch deep. It’s like giving your bread a little personality! (Bonus points if you do a perfect cross like a pro, but no one will judge you if it’s a little lopsided.)
- Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes. It should be golden brown on top, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit—wrapping it in a tea towel is the trick to softening that crispy crust. Now all that’s left is to slice and enjoy!
Quick Tips for Perfect Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread:
- Don’t overmix the dough: The key to a light, airy soda bread is mixing just until the ingredients come together. Over-kneading can make the bread dense.
- Experiment with herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just cut the amount by half.
- Add some garlic: For an even more flavor-packed loaf, toss in some minced garlic. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.
And if you’ve got little hands in the kitchen with you, don’t be afraid to let them help! This recipe is easy enough for kids to join in, making it a great bonding moment. My daughter loves helping me roll the dough into a ball, and it always makes for a fun afternoon.

FAQs About Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Can I use regular cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, you can! While cheddar adds a rich, sharp flavor, any cheese that melts well will work in this recipe. Mozzarella or even gouda would be great substitutes.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I store leftover soda bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice it before freezing so you can easily grab a piece when you want it.
Warm Up Your Day with Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of soup, enjoying it with a little butter and jam, or just nibbling on it as an afternoon snack, Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the kind of recipe that makes your day a little brighter. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of bread you’ll want to make again and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy, homemade delight. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
More Delicious Recipes to Try
After enjoying your Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread, why not keep the good vibes going with these tasty recipes?
- If you love cheesy, comforting bakes, try my Cheddar-Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie. It’s got that rich cheddar and flaky biscuit goodness, just like this soda bread—only in pie form!
- Looking for a soup to pair with your bread? Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is the perfect match, making for a cozy, satisfying meal.
- If you’re craving more bread inspiration, give my Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins a try. They’re another easy, delicious baked treat that everyone will love.
- For another herby, cheesy delight, check out Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with cheesy goodness—perfect to enjoy alongside your soda bread!
Enjoy trying these new recipes and keeping the flavor train rolling!
Print
Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread is the perfect combination of crispy, golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior. Infused with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar, it’s quick and easy to make, with no yeast required. Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or enjoying as a snack!
Ingredients
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4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
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1 ½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
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1 tbsp each chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
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Add the fresh chopped herbs and shredded cheddar cheese to the flour mixture, then mix well.
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Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough comes together.
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Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a 7-inch round.
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Place the dough onto a lightly floured baking sheet and score the top with a sharp knife, making a cross about ½ inch deep.
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Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let the bread cool wrapped in a tea towel to soften the crust.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, slice and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Herb Variations: Feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have available or prefer. Dried herbs can be substituted, but use half the amount.
For a softer crust: Wrap the bread in a tea towel as it cools to help soften the outer crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Bread, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg