Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread (Printable Version)
Rustic bread infused with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs, ideal for a flavorful snack or meal.
# 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
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 ½ cups buttermilk, cold
10 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
11 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until combined.
03 - Stir in grated cheddar, chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl until blended.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands just until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4-5 times, then shape into a 7-inch round loaf.
07 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Cut a deep X across the top with a sharp knife.
08 - Bake for 35-40 minutes until crust is deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour, no yeast or proofing required
- The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs makes every bite unforgettable
02 -
- Overmixing the dough will make the bread tough, so stop as soon as it comes together
- Cutting that deep X is not just for looks, it helps the bread bake evenly in the center
03 -
- Cold buttermilk is essential, so do not let it sit out while you prep
- The dough should feel sticky and shaggy, not smooth like yeast dough