Savory Cheddar Chive Bread

The first time I made this bread, my kitchen smelled like an Irish bakery in the middle of a snowstorm. I had been craving something warm and comforting, and the combination of sharp cheddar and fresh chives seemed like the perfect answer to a dreary afternoon.

My roommate walked in while it was baking and literally stood in front of the oven inhaling deeply. We ended up eating half the loaf straight from the cooling rack with nothing but a knife and a lot of willpower.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the dough, providing structure without the need for yeast or lengthy kneading
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that reacts with buttermilk to create rise, so do not skip or substitute this
• Fine sea salt: Enhances the natural cheese flavor and balances the richness
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that plays beautifully with the sharp cheddar
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, freshly grated gives you better melt and flavor than pre-shredded
• Fresh chives: Bring a mild onion flavor that is not overpowering, and their green flecks look gorgeous throughout the crumb
• Buttermilk: Provides acidity to activate the baking soda and creates a tender texture
• Unsalted butter melted: Adds richness to the dough and helps create that golden exterior

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Whisk the dry mixture:

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed.

Add the cheese and herbs:

Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives until they are well dispersed throughout the flour.

Form the dough:

Make a well in the center, pour in buttermilk and melted butter, then mix until shaggy dough forms, adding more buttermilk if needed.

Shape gently:

Turn onto floured surface, knead just until it comes together, then shape into a 7-inch round loaf.

Score the top:

Transfer to the baking sheet and cut a deep X across the top with a sharp knife to help it bake evenly.

Bake until golden:

Cook for 30 to 35 minutes until deeply colored and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool before slicing:

Let the bread rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes so the crumb sets properly.

Save

This bread has become my go-to whenever friends come over for soup night. There is something so satisfying about pulling a warm loaf from the oven and watching everyone reach for a slice.

Mixing the Dough

The dough will feel sticky and shaggy, and that is exactly right. Soda bread is not supposed to be smooth like yeast dough, so resist the urge to keep adding flour or kneading it into submission.

Choosing Your Cheese

I have tried different cheddars, and the sharper the better here. The extra tang stands up to the buttermilk and makes each bite more interesting than a mild cheese would.

Serving Suggestions

Leftovers reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, bringing back that just-baked texture. This bread also freezes well wrapped tightly for up to three months.

• Use day old slices to make the most incredible grilled cheese sandwiches
• Cube stale bread and toast with olive oil for rustic croutons
• Pair with a hearty Irish stew for a complete meal

Save

Nothing beats the smell of this bread baking except maybe that first warm slice with melting butter.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives this bread its rise without yeast?

The baking soda reacts with the acidity of the buttermilk to produce carbon dioxide, causing the loaf to rise and develop a tender crumb.

→ Can I substitute green onions for chives?

Yes, green onions provide a similar mild onion flavor and work well as an alternative to fresh chives in this bread.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The loaf should be deeply golden with a firm crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

→ What variations can enhance the flavor of this bread?

Adding dried thyme or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients adds extra depth and subtle heat.

→ Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it includes dairy but contains no meat, making it appropriate for a vegetarian diet.