Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a bread that’s equal parts cozy, quick, and bursting with flavor, my Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is exactly what needs to come out of your oven next. Imagine a golden, craggy loaf, packed with gooey sharp cheddar and a savory punch from herby roasted garlic butter, all with zero yeast drama. This rustic favorite bakes up in under an hour, and the aroma alone will make you want to serve it straight from the skillet. Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day or a soup night upgrade, Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is an instant crowd-pleaser that proves homemade can also mean hassle-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it classic but adds a special twist with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing their own important role. Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is all about simple flavors working together to create maximum comfort—with a gooey, cheesy spin!

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your trusty base, giving the bread its signature crumb and structure.
• Baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda to help your loaf rise tall and airy.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for a beautiful tender texture and signature tang.
• Salt: Brings out the cheddar and garlic flavors; don’t skip or skimp!
• Sugar: Just a hint to help balance the savoriness and give a lovely golden color.
• Epicurean Butter Roasted Garlic Herb Flavored Butter, chilled: This superstar fat infuses every bite with deep, herby garlic flavor—plus, cold butter creates that perfect crumb.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The sharper, the better for bold flavor pockets and melty bites throughout.
• Egg: Helps bind and enriches the dough for extra tenderness.
• Buttermilk: The secret to soda bread’s classic moisture and tang, with extra for that glossy top crust.

How to Make Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

To start your Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread adventure, preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet for the best crust, but a sturdy baking sheet also works if that’s what you’ve got. The sizzling hot pan will help the bread develop a golden base and rustic edges.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Giving these a good mix now ensures you’ll get an even rise and flavor in every slice—no need to sift, just whisk until everything’s well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the Garlic Herb Butter and Add Cheese

Take your chilled Roasted Garlic Herb Flavored Butter and break it into small pieces directly over the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend it in until you have a crumbly, coarse meal. This is where the herby garlic flavor gets woven right into the dough. Toss in all that glorious shredded sharp cheddar and give it a quick stir so you get cheese in every bite.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg and Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, whisk together your egg and buttermilk until smooth. This duo brings both lift and richness to your loaf, ensuring it’ll bake up fluffy and moist with a nice tender crumb.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Make a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until you have a shaggy, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix—just combine until there are no big dry streaks. This keeps your Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread tender, not tough.

Step 6: Shape and Score

With floured hands, gather the dough and form it into a 7-8 inch round, slightly flattened ball. Pop it into your prepared skillet or baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a half-inch deep X across the top—this classic touch allows heat to penetrate evenly and creates that iconic artisan look. Brush the surface with a little extra buttermilk for a gorgeous, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the hot oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. When a tester inserted into the center comes out clean and the crust is deeply golden, your masterpiece is done. Let it cool in the pan for five minutes before moving to a rack or serving platter. Don’t forget to slather slices with more Roasted Garlic Herb Flavored Butter for the ultimate finish!

How to Serve Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle your warm slices with a handful of fresh chives or parsley. If you want extra decadence, serve with softened Roasted Garlic Herb Butter on the side so everyone can spread on as much as they like. A pinch of flaky sea salt never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread shines alongside cozy soups and stews—think creamy potato, tomato, or a beef and Guinness classic. It’s also a dream with simple salads, hearty omelets, or as a savory addition to your brunch spread. Honestly, it’ll make any meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bread into wedges and arranging them on a rustic wooden board, lined with parchment for a homestyle look. For gatherings, serve it pre-sliced with individual ramekins of herby butter or your favorite mustards. Or cube it and use as the star of a cheesy bread basket with an array of dips for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the cooled Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread tightly in plastic wrap or tuck it into an airtight bag. It’ll keep fresh at room temperature for up to two days, though it’s at its very best the day you bake it.

Freezing

Soda bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap the loaf (or individual wedges) in a layer of plastic, then foil. Pop in the freezer for up to three months. When the craving for cheesy, garlicky goodness strikes, you’ll be prepped and ready.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, simply warm slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes until just heated through. You can also toast individual pieces under the broiler for a crisp, melty finish—don’t forget an extra swipe of butter!

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk?

Yes! If you’re out of buttermilk, just stir one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk, let it sit for five minutes, and use as directed. The acidic kick is what’s important for both flavor and rise.

What can I use if I don’t have the Roasted Garlic Herb Flavored Butter?

No worries—just use regular unsalted butter and mix in 1–2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a big pinch of dried Italian herbs. Your bread will still be packed with flavor.

Can I add other cheeses or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Swap or combine different cheeses like pepper jack, Gruyère, or smoked gouda. Chopped fresh herbs, cooked bacon bits, or even jalapeños make delicious add-ins for a personalized twist.

Why do I need to score an X on top of the bread?

Scoring the top allows heat to penetrate the thick loaf, helping it cook evenly and preventing the middle from being underdone. It’s also a charming nod to tradition and creates that beautiful rustic look everyone loves.

How do I know when my Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is done?

Check with a knife or toothpick—it should come out clean when inserted into the center. The loaf will also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and you’ll see a deep golden crust.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a loaf of Garlic Cheddar Irish Soda Bread is one of those simple pleasures that transforms any meal or gathering into something memorable. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself inventing reasons to make it again and again—no occasion needed!

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