Soda bread is loaded with aged white cheddar and fresh dill in this unique, savory version of the traditional Irish quick bread.
One of the easiest ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to bake up a loaf of soda bread, and once you try this Dill White Cheddar Irish Soda Bread, you’ll want to make it all year long.
I have a few soda bread recipes on my blog–Traditional Irish Soda Bread and Cranberry Orange Soda Bread–but this version, filled with cheese and fresh herbs, is a new favorite around here.
If you can find Irish white cheddar, or even English white cheddar, that’s your best option. But cheddar cheese is delicious no matter where it comes from.
The fresh dill really does make this loaf special though, so definitely don’t skip that! And feel free to add as much as your heart desires. A little extra black pepper doesn’t hurt either.
As always, soda bread is super quick and easy to make, and since it’s supposed to look rustic, you don’t have to worry about making a perfectly shaped loaf.
Sprinkling the loaf with some extra grated cheese part-way through baking also helps give it a rustic look.
Why cut the large X in the top of the loaf you ask? Well, in the 19th century, people believed that a cross slashed into the top of the bread let the devil out during baking.
So it’s really a matter of tradition more than a matter of science, but I figure why not go the traditional route when celebrating holidays.
Thanks to the cheese, this bread always comes out moist and tender, with a bit of a pleasant tang. Considering you can have a loaf fresh from the oven in under an hour, this recipe really is a keeper.
So if you’re looking for something simple to bake for friends and family on St. Patrick’s Day–or any day–give this Dill White Cheddar Irish Soda Bread a try.
Be sure to save this Dill White Cheddar Irish Soda Bread recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Dill White Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Aged white cheddar cheese
- Fresh dill
- Pepper
- Buttermilk
Dill White Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups grated aged white cheddar cheese divided
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Pepper to taste
- 2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Set aside 2 round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, 1 cup of the cheese, dill and pepper.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk. Using your hands, mix the dry ingredients into the center. Continue mixing gently until a rough ball of dough forms (dough may be sticky).
- Turn the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and gently shape into a round. Pat the dough into a 2 inch thick disk. Lifting with the parchment paper, place the dough (and parchment) into one of the cake pans. With a floured knife, cut a 1-inch deep slit into the top of the bread.
- Cover loaf with the other cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the top pan and sprinkle the loaf with the remaning 1/4 cup of cheese. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until loaf is golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Nutrition
Never miss a Let’s Dish Recipe:
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
If you love this recipe, you might also like:
More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes
Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread
Banana bread becomes extra moist and delicious with a ribbon of sweetened cream cheese swirled throughout the batter, and a drizzle of orange glaze on top.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This decadent chocolate bread is studded with chocolate chips and loaded with fresh zucchini. The best zucchini bread you'll ever make!
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish soda bread made with just a few simple ingredients.
Blueberry Oat Bread
Fresh blueberries and rolled oats make this hearty loaf of bread perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacking.
Best Ever Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Of all the pumpkin bread recipes I've tried, this one is my favorite! Great pumpkin flavor and loaded with mini chocolate chips, it's always a hit.
Hummingbird Quick Bread
The traditional hummingbird cake takes on a new form in this moist, delicious sweet bread loaded with coconut, pineapple and bananas. A cream cheese glaze finishes it all off in style.
Butterscotch Pecan Banana Bread
Traditional banana nut bread gets a delicious twist with the addition of butterscotch chips.
Easy Cranberry Orange Soda Bread
With no rising time, this easy, aromatic bread features the holiday flavors of orange and cranberry. Perfect for breakfast, or any time of day.
Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from Bake from Scratch
2 comments
Crum Mary
These breads look amazing, I’m wondering how I may convert with Gluten free flours??
Danelle
I don’t really do any gluten free baking, so I’m probably the wrong person to ask. But if there is a standard conversion for baking with gluten-free flours, I’d try that first.