Cheddar Soda Bread with Spring Onion Butter Recipe
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread known for its quick and easy preparation, as it relies on baking soda instead of yeast for leavening. Adding cheddar cheese to this classic recipe introduces a delightful richness and depth of flavor.
Pairing it with homemade spring onion butter enhances the experience, offering a savory and aromatic spread. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive recipe for cheddar soda bread along with instructions for making spring onion butter, as well as tips, variations, and serving suggestions to ensure a delightful baking and dining experience.
Ingredients for Cheddar Soda Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting
- Ingredients for Spring Onion Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions for Cheddar Soda Bread:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add Butter and Cheese: Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped rosemary (if using).
Incorporate Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir until the dough comes together. It should be sticky but manageable.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for 1-2 minutes, just enough to bring it together. Avoid over-kneading as this can result in a dense loaf.
Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
Instructions for Spring Onion Butter:
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped spring onions, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Mix: Using a spatula or a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
Shape and Chill: Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape it into a log and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
Serve: Slice the chilled spring onion butter into rounds and serve with warm slices of cheddar soda bread.
Tips for Success:
Cold Butter: Using cold butter helps create small pockets of steam during baking, which results in a tender and flaky crumb.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and taste.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a delightful aroma and flavor, but you can also use other herbs like thyme or chives, depending on your preference.
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter for the spring onion butter is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.
Variations:
Spicy Cheddar Soda Bread:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
Garlic and Herb:
Incorporate 2 cloves of minced garlic and a mixture of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley into the dough for an aromatic variation.
Whole Wheat:
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Cheddar and Bacon:
Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the dough for a savory, smoky addition.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive:
Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Warm with Butter: Serve warm slices of cheddar soda bread with generous spreads of spring onion butter.
With Soups and Stews: This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups and stews, such as tomato soup, potato leek soup, or beef stew.
As a Side for Breakfast: Enjoy slices alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a full English breakfast.
Sandwich Base: Use the bread to make delicious sandwiches with fillings like turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, or egg salad.
Cheese Board: Include slices on a cheese board with a variety of cheeses, fruits, and nuts for an elegant appetizer.
Toasted: Toast slices of the bread and serve with butter, jam, or even a poached egg for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cheddar soda bread offers a range of nutritional benefits. Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins like B12 and A. The spring onions in the butter add vitamins A, C, and K, along with beneficial antioxidants. Using whole wheat flour in variations can increase the fiber content, making the bread more filling and nutritious.
Conclusion
Cheddar soda bread with spring onion butter is a delightful and versatile recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of homemade bread and the aromatic richness of savory butter. This easy-to-make bread does not require any yeast or long proofing times, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
The addition of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs elevates the traditional soda bread, while the spring onion butter provides a flavorful complement. Whether served warm with a spread of butter, alongside a hearty meal, or as a base for sandwiches, this cheddar soda bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious bread with family and friends!