Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread (Printable Version)
Rustic Irish bread featuring sharp cheddar and herbs, ideal as a flavorful snack or side.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 ½ cups buttermilk, cold
10 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
11 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar, chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
06 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4–5 times to bring it together, then shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
07 - Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for last minute dinner guests or sudden bread cravings
- The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs transforms humble ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a bakery
- Unlike yeast breads, theres no waiting for dough to rise, so you get instant gratification with professional results
02 -
- Overmixing the dough will make your bread tough, so stop mixing as soon as the flour is just incorporated
- The X cut on top isnt just decorative, it helps the bread bake evenly and allows heat to penetrate the center
- Cutting into the bread while its still hot will result in a gummy texture, so patience during cooling is essential
03 -
- Cold buttermilk is essential for the right texture, so dont let it sit out while you prep other ingredients
- If you dont have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes