If you’re craving homemade bread but you don’t have time for a big fuss, this is the recipe for you! Irish soda bread bakes crusty on the outside, with a soft, fluffy centre. The flavour is quite basic, but perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp Herbs de Provence (or dried dill)
1 cup shredded Irish cheddar, divided
1 cup buttermilk
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and sugar. Stir in half of the buttermilk, the herbs and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar. Pour in remaining buttermilk, and stir until dough comes together into shaggy ball.
- Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute, just until the dough comes together and you can shape it into a fairly smooth ball. Press into a disc about 1 1/2 inches high and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Cut a deep cross in the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake 30-35 minutes, until the top is a dark golden brown. A toothpick will come out clean when inserted into the centre.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Makes 1 loaf, serves 8
