Cheese Soda Bread

Cheese soda bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that combines the tangy flavor of cheese with the light and fluffy texture of soda bread. It’s a versatile bread that can be enjoyed as a side dish, a snack, or even as a base for sandwiches. This bread is made without yeast, using baking soda as the leavening agent, which means there’s no need for lengthy proofing or rising time. With the addition of savory cheese and aromatic herbs, this bread is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, cheese soda bread is a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends.

INGREDIENTS:

• 275ml buttermilk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1-2 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
• Flour, for dusting
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 450g self-raising flour
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 large leek, thinly sliced
• ½ tablespoon dried sage
• 75g mature English Cheddar, grated
• Butter, for greasing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 190˚C/fan oven 170˚C/gas mark 5.
2. Grease a baking sheet with butter. Heat the oil in a medium, non-stick frying pan and add the leek. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, until it is just starting to brown. Add the sage and allow to cool.
3. Put the leeks and sage in a large mixing bowl with the cheese, flour, salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Add the beaten egg to the mixture. Gradually add the buttermilk until you have a smooth dough. You might need to add the extra milk. Don’t worry if the dough is sticky. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead it to bring it together. Form the dough into a round approximately 23cm/9in in diameter.
4. Place the dough onto the greased baking sheet and press it down to form a round. Make deep cuts across the top to make six wedges. Bake the bread in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5. The bread is best served warm, but it will keep for a couple of days if it doesn’t all disappear as soon as you serve it!

VARIATIONS:

• Herb and Garlic: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, along with minced garlic, to the dough for a flavorful twist.
• Jalapeno and Cheddar: Mix in diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy bread with a kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to infuse the bread with a Mediterranean flair.
• Bacon and Onion: Fry up some crispy bacon and sauté diced onions before adding them to the dough for a savory and aromatic combination.
• Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion: Use smoked Gouda cheese and incorporate caramelized onions into the dough for a rich and smoky flavor profile.
• Blue Cheese and Walnut: Crumble tangy blue cheese and mix in chopped walnuts for a bread with a unique and nutty taste.
• Parmesan and Rosemary: Grate Parmesan cheese and sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves on top of the bread before baking for a fragrant and cheesy delight.