Savory Cheddar Chive Bread (Printable)
Rustic Irish loaf with sharp cheddar, fresh chives, tender crumb, and golden crust.
# What goes in:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Herbs
05 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
06 - 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, plus extra as needed
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
03 - Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
04 - Create a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a shaggy dough forms. Add additional buttermilk by the tablespoon if mixture appears too dry.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it comes together—avoid overworking. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
06 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the dough.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until deeply golden brown and the loaf produces a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
08 - Allow bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 15 minutes with zero yeast or proofing time
- The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh chives transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough—handle it gently and stop as soon as it comes together
- The X cut isnt just decorative—it allows the heat to penetrate the center of the loaf
03 -
- Cold buttermilk creates a flakier texture, so dont let it sit out too long before mixing
- If you dont have buttermilk, mix 1 ¾ cups milk with 2 tablespoons white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes