Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread (Printable)
Rustic quick bread with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, ideal with hearty soups or as a tasty snack.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 ½ cups buttermilk, cold
10 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
11 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar, chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix just until a shaggy dough forms (do not overmix).
06 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4–5 times to bring it together, then shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
07 - Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top.
08 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No yeast means no waiting rise times just warm bread in under an hour
- The sharp cheddar creates these irresistible pockets of salty goodness throughout every slice
- Freezes beautifully so you can always have homemade bread on hand for sudden soup cravings
02 -
- Overmixing develops gluten which makes quick bread tough so stop as soon as the dough comes together
- Cold buttermilk is nonnegotiable here because it keeps the butter from melting too early and creating a dense texture
- The X on top is not decorative it helps the heat penetrate the center and encourages proper rising
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre shredded cheese which contains anti caking agents that can affect the texture
- Room temperature ingredients are not necessary here in fact cold is better for keeping the butter from melting too soon