Cheese And Bread: Perfect Pairings For Irish Soda Bread

what cheese goes with irish soda bread

Irish soda bread is a dense, crusty loaf that is delicious on its own or with butter. It is a quick bread that is easy to make and can be adapted with different ingredients. A popular variation is to add cheese to the dough, which creates a delicious, savoury loaf. This bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a thick slice and a generous spread of butter.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Sharp cheddar, Colby, mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino
Herbs Rosemary, thyme, Parsley, Basil, Sage, Tarragon, Chives, Dill
Other ingredients Butter, Egg, Buttermilk, Flour, Baking soda, Baking powder, Salt, Garlic, Sugar, Black pepper, Cream of tartar
Preparation time 10-20 minutes
Baking time 30-50 minutes
Baking temperature 360-425°F

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Cheddar and herb soda bread

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, sage, tarragon, or chives)
  • 4 ounces of medium or sharp cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes (about 1/4-inch)
  • 1 tablespoon of melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk

Optional Ingredients

Pine nuts

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper, sprinkling it lightly with flour.
  • In a medium-large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Stir in the herbs, cheese, and pine nuts (if using).
  • In a separate bowl, combine the egg and buttermilk, stirring well.
  • Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk and egg. Stir until the flour is incorporated.
  • Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. You may need to add a little extra flour to the work surface if the dough is sticky.
  • Form the dough into a round loaf.
  • Transfer the loaf to the prepared sheet pan and use a sharp serrated knife to cut an 'X' on top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Cover with foil if the bread is browning too quickly, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  • Brush the loaf with melted butter and allow it to cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving with butter.

Tips

  • This bread is best enjoyed on the day it is made, but leftovers can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches or toasted in a pan with oil or butter and served with soup or salad.
  • For easy cleanup, use parchment paper on your work surface and sheet pan.
  • Choose a combination of fresh herbs for this bread, or use just one type. If using only rosemary, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon as it has a stronger flavour.
  • Medium or sharp cheddar is recommended for this recipe, but other cheese varieties can be used.
  • If you are short on time, you can use packaged shredded cheese instead of dicing a block of cheese.

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How to make soda bread

Irish soda bread is a quick and easy bread to make. It's a yeast-free bread that uses baking soda and buttermilk to rise. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make soda bread:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
  • 1/2-1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg (optional)
  • 4 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup of butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, chopped (optional)

Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) or 360°F (180°C). Line a baking pan or cast-iron skillet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt (if using).
  • Cut cold butter into the flour mixture. You can use a fork, your hands, or a pastry cutter. Coating the flour in cold butter will guarantee a flaky texture.
  • Whisk an egg into the buttermilk and pour it into the dry ingredients. You can also add grated cheese and herbs at this stage if you want a savoury loaf.
  • Mix the dough until it starts to come together. Be careful not to over-mix. The dough will be sticky and should look shaggy, not smooth.
  • Transfer the dough to your prepared pan or skillet. Use a sharp knife to score the dough with a slash or an 'X' about 1/2 inch deep. This will help the centre bake through.
  • Bake for 30-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also test doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the centre; it should come out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips:

  • Irish soda bread is best enjoyed on the day it's made, but it can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it well in wax paper and foil to keep it fresh.
  • Stale bread can be toasted or grilled. It's great for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or served with soup or salad.
  • Get creative with add-ins! Try different types of cheese, herbs, fried onions, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.

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Storing soda bread

Irish soda bread is best enjoyed on the day it is baked, but it can be stored and enjoyed later. The bread dries out quickly, so it's important to wrap it well to keep it fresh for longer. Here are some tips for storing soda bread:

  • Wrap the bread: Use wax paper or plastic wrap to wrap the bread tightly. This will help keep the bread from drying out. You can also place the wrapped bread in an airtight container, such as a resealable bag or bread box.
  • Store at room temperature: Soda bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Place it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Refrigerate for longer storage: If you want to keep the soda bread for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, make sure it is wrapped well to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze for even longer storage: Baked and cooled soda bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it and freeze individual slices. This way, you can take out only the amount you need without having to thaw the entire loaf.
  • Reheat gently: If you want to enjoy warm soda bread, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and wrap the bread in aluminium foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is warmed through. You can also place the bread in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it in short bursts until warmed through.
  • Use stale bread: If your soda bread does go stale, don't throw it away! Stale soda bread can be used in a variety of ways. Toast it and serve it with butter, or use it to make French toast, bread pudding, or croutons.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your soda bread for several days and minimise waste.

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The history of soda bread

Irish soda bread is a variety of quick bread that uses sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda) as a leavening agent instead of yeast. The basic ingredients are flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The buttermilk contains lactic acid, which reacts with the baking soda to form bubbles of carbon dioxide, causing the bread to rise.

The use of baking soda offered an alternative to traditional yeast bread, especially in Ireland, where domestic flours did not have the properties needed to rise effectively with yeast. The soft wheat flour commonly used in Ireland is better suited for soda bread, which is why it became a staple in Irish homes and restaurants.

While traditional Irish soda bread is made with just the four basic ingredients, modern variations include the addition of cheese, herbs, raisins, or nuts. These ingredients add flavour and make the bread even more versatile, pairing well with soups, stews, or simply butter.

Soda bread is typically not kneaded because kneading can toughen it. Instead, the dough is combined and shaped into a round loaf before being baked. The last step is to cut a cross in the top of the dough, which, according to Irish legend, is "to let the devil out." This technique also serves a practical purpose, as it allows the dough to cook evenly and creates a velvety texture.

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Other soda bread recipes

Irish soda bread is a type of quick bread that does not require yeast to rise. Instead, it uses baking soda and an acid, usually buttermilk, to create air bubbles and form a perfectly risen dough. The bread contains basic ingredients like flour, salt, and sugar, and is often paired with butter, jam, or cheese.

Cheddar Herb Savory Irish Soda Bread

This recipe adds cheddar cheese and fresh herbs to the traditional soda bread, creating a delicious savoury version that pairs well with soups, salads, or any entree. The cheese and herbs add a gourmet touch, and the bread can be made in under an hour. This recipe also suggests using pine nuts, which are optional but add a delicious flavour.

Rosemary Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

This variation includes rosemary and cheddar cheese, creating a savoury bread perfect for corned beef sandwiches. The rosemary and cheddar add a unique flavour and aroma to the bread. This recipe also includes cream of tartar, black pepper, and softened butter, giving it a distinct taste and texture.

Basic Irish Soda Bread with Cheese

This recipe adds cheese to the basic Irish soda bread, creating a tasty variation. The type of cheese used can vary, but a medium or sharp cheddar is recommended for maximum flavour. This bread can be served as a side or used to make grilled cheese sandwiches.

Grandma's Irish Soda Bread

This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a cherished family favourite. It includes buttermilk, egg, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and butter, resulting in a dense yet soft bread with a crusty exterior. The raisins are optional but add a unique touch. This bread is perfect for serving with savory dinners or simply with butter, honey butter, or jam.

Easy Soda Bread

This simple and budget-friendly recipe requires just four ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It is easy to put together and can be served with scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, butter, salads, or soups. This bread has a hard outer crust and a dense, tight crumb, making it perfect for sopping up sauces or stews.

Frequently asked questions

Cheddar, mozzarella, Colby, Parmesan, and Cabot sharp or extra-sharp cheddar are all good options.

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese to save time, but freshly shredded cheese will have more flavour.

Yes, you can add fried onions, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, raisins, cranberries, chocolate, pecans, or even pine nuts.

You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt and milk, lemon juice or vinegar mixed with milk, or whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Irish soda bread is best eaten fresh, but it can last 1-2 days at room temperature or be frozen. It is also great toasted on the second day.

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