Rustic Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread: A Gut-Friendly Twist on Irish Tradition

A healthier twist on the classic Irish soda bread featuring whole grain flour, aged cheddar, and fresh herbs.

Scale

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup aged cheddar cheese, grated

¼ cup fresh herbs (such as chives or rosemary), chopped

1 cup buttermilk (or unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.
Gently fold in the grated aged cheddar and chopped fresh herbs.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and olive oil. Stir until blended, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until they form a sticky dough.
On a floured surface, gently knead the dough just a couple of times to bring it together, then shape it into a round loaf about 1.5 inches in height.
Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross on the top of the dough.
Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Store wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to two days or freeze for up to three months.