Savory Herbed Cheddar Bread (Printable)
Rustic bread with sharp cheddar and herbs, boasting a golden crust and tender crumb, ideal for cozy meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 ½ cups cold buttermilk
10 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
11 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar, chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg until uniform.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
06 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 4–5 times to bring it together, then shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
07 - Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf.
08 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Best enjoyed warm with salted butter.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 15 minutes with zero rising time
- The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs makes every bite addictive
02 -
- Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough instead of tender
- The X cut is not just decorative, it helps the bread bake evenly throughout
03 -
- Cold buttermilk is key for tender texture, so do not let it sit out while prep work
- Letting the bread cool completely prevents the center from becoming gummy when sliced