Cheddar And Chive Soda Bread Recipe

Fresh, warm and wonderfully savoury, this Cheddar and Chive Soda Bread is a quick bread recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Made without yeast and ready in under an hour, these golden soda bread rolls are crisp on the outside, soft inside and packed with sharp Cheddar and fragrant chives. If you love an easy soda bread recipe that pairs perfectly with soups, stews or a simple spread of butter, this cheesy twist on classic Irish soda bread is the ideal bake.

Whether you’re new to soda bread or simply want a no-knead, no-yeast cheese bread, these rolls are delicious, fuss-free and ideal for busy weeknights or weekend cooking. 

Keep reading for the full recipe and step-by-step method.

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C / Fan 210°C / 450°F / Gas 8 so it’s fully heated before baking.
2. Lightly grease the inside of your casserole dish with olive oil, covering the base and sides.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Add 50g (2oz) of the grated Cheddar along with the chopped chives, mixing everything together evenly.
4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk, keeping back 1 tablespoon. Stir until the mixture forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, just until it comes together. Divide into 12 equal portions (around 100g / 4oz each), shape into balls, and cut a deep cross into the top of each one.
6. Arrange the dough balls in the greased casserole (eight around the edge and four in the middle). Brush with the reserved buttermilk, then top with the remaining Cheddar and a sprinkling of oats.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 200°C / Fan 180°C / 400°F / Gas 6 and continue baking for about 20 minutes, until the rolls are deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cook’s Notes

• Soda bread is at its very best served warm and eaten shortly after baking.
• Feel free to adapt the flavour by adding roughly chopped walnuts or a handful of mixed seeds to the dough.
• Use any leftover soda bread to make easy breadcrumbs. Tear it into pieces, blend briefly in a food processor and freeze. Use the crumbs for coatings or quick stuffing mixes.