Cheddar Soda Bread is pure comfort baked into a golden, rustic loaf. Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, the sharp creaminess of melted cheddar, and the savory touch of chives, all coming together in under an hour. This is one of those recipes that’ll have you reaching for a second slice before you’ve finished the first, and it’s as fun to bake as it is to eat! The real magic is in its simplicity: a few staple ingredients, minimal fuss, and no awkward waiting for dough to rise. Whether you’re pairing it with your favorite soup or just slathering warm slices with salted butter, this Cheddar Soda Bread never fails to satisfy.

Cheddar Soda Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to make Cheddar Soda Bread at home, but each one plays a starring role in texture, color, and flavor. These building blocks come together for a loaf that’s tender, cheesy, and just the right amount of savory.

All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its classic tender crumb and the structure to hold together all that cheesy goodness.
Baking soda: This is where all the “soda bread” magic happens, working fast with buttermilk to create lift and a soft texture.
Salt: Balances the sharpness of the cheddar and elevates the whole loaf’s flavors.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Adds richness and creates subtle flakiness; cold butter is key for best texture.
Buttermilk: Lends unmistakable tang, moisture, and helps activate the soda for a light crumb.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients while adding subtle richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient—choose a good extra-sharp cheddar for the most flavor.
Fresh chives, chopped (optional): For a pop of color and a gentle oniony freshness that complements the cheese beautifully.

How to Make Cheddar Soda Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a sturdy cast-iron skillet—either method works well, but a skillet adds a rustic edge and crisper base. Having everything ready means you can quickly get the dough from bowl to oven, which is the secret to a lofty, tender loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re completely combined. This step ensures even leavening and seasoning in every bite, and sets a sturdy foundation for the bread.

Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. It should resemble pea-sized bits—these pockets of butter help your Cheddar Soda Bread stay moist and create irresistible texture.

Step 4: Add Cheddar and Chives

Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and chopped fresh chives (if you’re using them). The cheese will weave through each slice, melting into pockets of pure flavor while the chives lend a subtle freshness. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for the ultimate cheesy bite, every slice.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. This blend gives the bread its signature tang and helps hold everything together. Pouring this in separately keeps your bread light instead of doughy.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the buttermilk-egg mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula—don’t overmix! The goal is to combine just until everything comes together in a shaggy, slightly sticky dough. Overworking can make the bread tough.

Step 7: Shape and Score the Loaf

Dust your countertop with a little flour and turn the dough out. With just a few gentle kneads, shape it into a round loaf. Place it on your prepared baking sheet or skillet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” across the top—this helps the loaf bake evenly and gives the classic soda bread look.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your Cheddar Soda Bread into the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible. Let the bread cool on a rack for a few minutes, then slice while still warm—this is when it’s at its most glorious.

How to Serve Cheddar Soda Bread

Garnishes

A warm slice of Cheddar Soda Bread is already a joy, but a touch of garnish brings out even more flavor and eye appeal. Try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a scattering of fresh chives over each slice before serving. For a simple but luxurious finish, spread with a thin pat of salted butter just as it comes out of the oven.

Side Dishes

Cheddar Soda Bread makes a perfect partner to hearty soups—think creamy tomato, potato leek, or your favorite chunky chowder. It’s also right at home alongside a crisp green salad, a steaming bowl of chili, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and roasted veggies. The cheese and chive notes complement so many main dishes, making this loaf a reliable side for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! For gatherings, slice your Cheddar Soda Bread into thick wedges and arrange on a wooden board with dips, jams, and cured meats for a “rustic Irish cheese board” feel. You can also toast leftover slices under the broiler, then top with more cheddar and briefly melt for quick crostini. Or, use the bread as a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon, sliced cucumber, or roasted tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cheddar Soda Bread fresh, simply wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. A bread box works great for maintaining just the right amount of crustiness without drying out the inside.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy Cheddar Soda Bread beyond the next couple of days, slice the cooled loaf and wrap the slices in a double layer of plastic wrap or slip them into a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months—this way, you can pop out just what you need for a quick snack or breakfast.

Reheating

Bring your Cheddar Soda Bread back to life by wrapping slices in foil and warming them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. For single slices, a quick toast in the toaster or skillet revives the texture and even crisps up those cheesy edges—just as delicious as when it was first baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this soda bread its bold flavor, you can swap in Gruyère, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well and isn’t too wet, so the loaf maintains its structure.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem! Make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for five minutes, then use as directed in the recipe—the acidity is key for activating the baking soda.

Can I make Cheddar Soda Bread gluten-free?

You sure can! Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s meant for baking, keeping in mind that texture may be a little bit different but still delicious. You may also need to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Do I need to let the dough rise?

Not at all! Soda bread is a quick bread, so there’s no yeast or rising time required. Once the dough comes together, it’s ready to bake straight away—this is what makes Cheddar Soda Bread such a great last-minute recipe.

Can I add extra mix-ins to the bread?

Definitely! Diced cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions. Keep total add-ins to about 1/2 cup so you don’t weigh the dough down or change the bake time too much.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a homemade bread that’s loaded with flavor, easy to pull off, and sure to impress at any meal, give Cheddar Soda Bread a try. Every loaf is rich, satisfying, and filled with love—just what comfort food should be. Happy baking!

Cheddar Soda Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheddar Soda Bread is a delicious twist on traditional soda bread, packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a savory flavor. It’s perfect for serving alongside soups or stews, or simply enjoyed with a spread of butter.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a cast-iron skillet.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese and Chives: Stir in cheddar cheese and chives if using.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Combine Ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in buttermilk mixture. Stir just until dough comes together.
Knead and Shape: Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead a few times, and shape into a round loaf.
Bake: Place the loaf on the prepared sheet or skillet, cut an “X” on top, and bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.