Rosemary and Cheddar Soda Bread

Thu, 6 November 2025

Ingredients

200g plain flour

2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda / bread

soda

350g wholemeal flour

1 teaspoon of salt

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped

600ml buttermilk

Grated cheddar cheese 

Method

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, mix together your plain flour, bread soda, wholemeal flour, and a good pinch of salt. Then in goes your finely chopped rosemary and cheddar — that’s going to give it a lovely fragrant lift.

Make a well in the centre and pour in your buttermilk. Give it a gentle mix until it just comes together — no overworking it now! Shape it into a round, and pop it on a lined tray.

Score a cross on top (for luck, of course!) brush on the remaining buttermilk and bake for about 30–35 minutes, until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.

Serve it warm with a big dollop of Irish butter — pure heaven with a bowl of soup or a bit of smoked salmon.