Imagine pulling a golden, crackly loaf from the oven in just 40 minutes no yeast, no waiting, no complicated steps. That’s exactly what happens when rustic Irish soda bread meets sharp, melty cheddar. The result? A deeply savory, cheesy loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb that’s bursting with bold flavor in every bite. Just mix, shape, bake… and slice into it while it’s still warm. ☘️🧀
table of contents
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 219 kcal per slice
- Cuisine: Irish-inspired
- Skill Level: Beginner
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ No yeast required
✔ No kneading
✔ No proving time
✔ One bowl
✔ Deep cheddar flavor
✔ Perfect with soup or stew
Ingredients
- 150 g plain white flour
- 200 g wholemeal flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 100 g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 200 ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
How To Make Easy Cheese Soda Bread
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F (200°C fan).
Lightly flour a baking tray.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
- White flour
- Wholemeal flour
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Grated cheddar
Mix well.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In a jug combine:
Milk + apple cider vinegar.
(Stir and let sit 1 minute.)
4️⃣ Form the Dough
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients.
Stir until combined.
Bring together with hands into a soft ball.
✔ Should be slightly sticky
✔ Not wet or sloppy
Adjust with splash of water or dusting of flour if needed.
5️⃣ Shape & Score
Place dough on tray.
Flatten slightly.
Cut a deep cross into the top (almost to the base).
6️⃣ Bake
Bake 30–35 minutes until:
✔ Golden brown
✔ Firm bottom
✔ Hollow sound when tapped
Serve warm for best texture.
Serving Ideas
- With salted Irish butter
- Alongside tomato soup
- With beef stew
- Toasted with extra cheddar
- As grilled cheese base
Pro Tips
✔ Use strong mature cheddar
✔ Don’t overwork dough
✔ Score deeply
✔ Bake until fully set (no gummy center)
✔ Best eaten same day
Variations
- Add chopped chives
- Add cracked black pepper
- Swap cheddar for Red Leicester
- Add cooked crispy bacon pieces
- Add jalapeños for spice
Easy Cheese Soda Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the white flour, wholemeal flour, salt, baking soda, and grated cheddar.
- In a small bowl or jug, combine the milk and apple cider vinegar and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf on the prepared tray and score a deep cross on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Easy Cheese Soda Bread proves that incredible homemade bread doesn’t need hours of rising or fancy techniques. With simple ingredients and one bowl, you get a rustic, golden loaf that’s comforting, flavorful, and impossible to resist fresh from the oven. Whether served alongside soup, toasted with butter, or enjoyed on its own, this cheesy soda bread delivers big flavor with beautifully simple effort.