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Cozy Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Cheddar Chive Butter

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, enhanced by a rich cheddar and chive butter. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting solo snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (420 ml or about 1.75 cups)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (100 g or about 4 oz)
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cheddar and Chive Butter:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g or 4 oz)
  • ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated (25 g or about 1 oz)
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, minced
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to heat while you prepare the dough (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and chopped fresh chives into the dry mix, coating the cheese well.
  4. In a separate small bowl, mix the buttermilk with the melted butter.
  5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Gently bring the dough together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter and 2 inches (5 cm) high. Do not knead too much.
  7. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about ¼ inch / 0.5 cm deep) on top of the loaf.
  8. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place the loaf inside (or onto a lined baking sheet). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
  10. While the bread cools, whip together the softened butter, grated cheddar, minced chives, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Slice the bread thick, slather with cheddar and chive butter, and enjoy warm.

Notes

If dough feels too dry, add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until it just comes together. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. Use room temperature buttermilk for best rise. Let bread cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling. The cheddar and chive butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, cheddar chive butter, quick bread, no yeast bread, savory bread, easy bread recipe, cozy bread

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-irish-soda-bread-recipe-with-cheddar-chive-butter-easy-and-perfect/