Irish soda bread with a savory twist! Golden Irish cheddar cheese and finely minced chives make this loaf irresistible.
Makes one loaf, 12-16 servings
Ingredients
4 1/4 cups (515g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup (57g) butter, very cold
4oz. Irish cheddar cheese, grated
1 Tbs. finely minced fresh chives
1 3/4 cups buttermilk, very cold
1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° F. Flour a 9-10” cast iron or oven-safe skillet.
- Place the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula to combine.
- Using the coarse side of a box grater or hand grater, grate the butter directly into the bowl of flour. Add the cheese and chives to the bowl. Gently mix with a rubber spatula to distribute the butter pieces and cheese.
- Whisk together the buttermilk and egg in a medium bowl. Pour over the flour and butter mixture. Gently begin mixing the wet ingredients into the dry with a rubber spatula, working until it is combined into a tacky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a well-floured work surface. Shape the dough into a round loaf, and use a sharp knife to score an “x” into the top. Carefully transfer the loaf to the center of the floured skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the bread to cool for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
*Leftover Irish Soda Bread may be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for 3 months.
