Savory Cheddar Chive Bread (Printable Version)
Hearty loaf with cheddar, chives, and tender crumb perfect with butter or alongside warm dishes.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
06 - 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, plus extra as needed
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a shaggy dough forms. Add additional buttermilk one tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too dry.
05 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it comes together—avoid overworking. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
06 - Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep X pattern across the top of the dough.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until deeply golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
08 - Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in under an hour from start to finish with zero yeast or waiting time
- The sharp cheddar creates these incredible salty pockets throughout the tender crumb
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough, so handle it as little as possible, just enough to bring it together
- The X on top isnt just tradition, it helps the heat penetrate to the center and ensures even baking
03 -
- Grate your cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded for superior melting
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, so pull everything out about 20 minutes before starting