Cheddar and Rosemary Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 ¾ cups shredded aged white cheddar cheese
  • 4 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk, divided
  • 1 egg
  • butter, for serving

Equipment

  • measuring cups and spoons
  • large mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • pastry cutter
  • baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • pastry brush

Prep time:

20

Yields:

35

Cook time:

1 loaf

Recipe attribution:

BC Dairy

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. Using pastry cutter or fingertips, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cheese and rosemary; toss well.
  4. Whisk together 1⅓ cups buttermilk and egg; stir into flour mixture until dough comes together.
  5. On lightly floured surface, knead gently just until dough comes together into a ball (do not over-knead dough). Shape into 8-inch round. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and brush with remaining buttermilk.
  6. Using sharp knife, cut a 1-inch deep "X" into top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown, or cake tester inserted into centre of bread comes out clean and bread sounds hollow when bottom of bread is tapped. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    The bread is best when served on the same day as it is baked.

    You can substitute rosemary with thyme, if desired.