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Jamie Oliver Cheesy Soda Bread

Jamie Oliver Cheesy Soda Bread
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Jamie Oliver Cheesy Soda Bread is a quick bread made using flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and grated cheese instead of yeast. The baking soda reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk, allowing the loaf to rise beautifully during baking without any proving time.

The result is a rustic bread with a crisp crust, a soft interior, and rich cheesy flavor throughout. It’s inspired by traditional Irish soda bread while adding the extra indulgence of melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread

  • 500g plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 350ml buttermilk

  • 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

  • 2 spring onions, finely sliced

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

  • Fresh rosemary leaves

  • Parmesan cheese for topping

  • Chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly flour it. A fully heated oven helps the bread rise properly as soon as it goes in.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Mix most of the grated cheddar into the flour mixture, reserving a small handful to sprinkle over the top before baking.

Step 4: Pour in the Buttermilk

Gradually add the buttermilk while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough begins to form.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and gently bring it together into a round loaf. Avoid excessive kneading, as this can make the bread dense rather than light.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking tray and shape it into a round approximately 5–6cm thick.

Step 7: Score the Top

Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross across the top of the loaf. This traditional step helps the bread bake evenly and allows heat to reach the center.

Step 8: Add the Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the reserved cheddar over the loaf. If desired, add Parmesan cheese, herbs, or cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the loaf is deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

Step 10: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set properly.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/cheesy-soda-bread/