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Cozy Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Cheddar and Chive Butter

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, enhanced by a savory cheddar and chive butter that makes every bite a warm hug from the inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded finely
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • For the cheddar and chive butter:
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives evenly through the dough.
  5. Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a round about 8 inches in diameter and 1 ½ inches thick. Do not knead.
  7. Score a deep cross about ½ inch deep on top of the dough with a sharp knife.
  8. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet or pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. While the bread bakes, combine softened butter, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  10. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
  11. Serve warm with a generous spread of the cheddar and chive butter.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness. Use cold butter to create flaky pockets. Score the top deeply to help even cooking. Check doneness by tapping the bottom for a hollow sound. Fresh chives are preferred for best flavor. If buttermilk is unavailable, use milk with lemon juice or vinegar. The bread is best served warm with cheddar and chive butter. For gluten-free, replace half the flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum. Dairy-free substitutions are possible with vegan butter and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

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

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