Get ready to transform your kitchen into an Irish culinary paradise with this mind-blowing Cheddar Irish Soda Bread that will make your taste buds dance! Unlike complicated bread recipes that require hours of rising and kneading, this extraordinary soda bread comes together in just minutes, delivering a golden, cheesy masterpiece that's crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe guarantees a foolproof, mouthwatering loaf that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended and there are no clumps.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the flour mixture. Gently fold the cheese into the dry ingredients using a spatula or your hands, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture. Pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute, just enough to bring it into a cohesive ball. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf, about 1 to 2 inches thick. Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread to bake evenly and allows steam to escape.
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and helps improve the texture.
- Serve the Cheddar Irish Soda Bread warm or at room temperature, optionally with butter, as a side to soups, stews, or your favorite dishes.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the most robust flavor.
- Don't overwork the dough - gentle mixing ensures a tender, light texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mixture.
- Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature for better ingredient integration.
- The deep cross-scoring isn't just traditional - it helps the bread bake evenly and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to maintain its perfect moisture and texture.
- Serve within a day for the best taste and freshness, or freeze for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 227kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
