St. Patrick’s Day may still be a week away, but it is never too early for me to be thinking of Irish soda bread! It is a must-have with every Irish meal we make. Up until now, we’ve been making a basic soda bread using a recipe from the mother of a former student of mine.  I love that version! It is a great light breakfast, tea, and snack bread. And a St. Patrick’s Day tradition with us.

Contrarily, today’s soda bread recipe is intended to be eaten as a side with a hearty stew or soup, or with some eggs for breakfast. It is a cheese & herb packed bread along the lines of Red Lobster’s cheddar biscuits. (Not surprisingly, I have previously posted a recipe for Cheddar Biscuits!) This flavorful indulgence has a golden and crunchy exterior with a soft, biscuit center. The cheese and herbs brighten the savory stir-together loaf, and a pinch of sugar enhances the flavor for a rich result. It is delicious enough to make all year round!

Cheddar & Dill Irish Soda Bread

Cheddar & Dill Irish Soda Bread (adapted from realsimple.com) Total Time Required: 1 hour, 5 minutes, Hands-On Time: 10 minutes, Makes 8 – 12 slices

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.

Stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, & salt in a large bowl.

Add in the cheese and dill.

Add in the shredded cheese & dill.

In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. Using a rubber spatula, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a sticky dough comes together.

Combine the buttermilk, butter, & egg & add them to the dough.

Mix just until a sticky dough comes together.

Press the dough into the prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-inch deep “X” across the top of dough.

Press the dough into a skillet and and cut an “X” into the top.

Bake the bread until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Bake the bread until it is golden brown.

Let it cool for 20 minutes before cutting it into slices.

Cut into wedges to serve.

I can’t get enough of this!  ~Linda

Cheddar & Dill Irish Soda Bread (adapted from realsimple.com) Total Time Required: 1 hour, 5 minutes, Hands-On Time: 10 minutes, Makes 8 – 12 slices

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1-1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.

Stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add in the cheese and dill. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg. Using a rubber spatula, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a sticky dough comes together.

Press the dough into the prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-inch deep “X” across the top of dough.

Bake the bread until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let it cool for 20 minutes before cutting it into slices.