If there is one kind of bread I think everyone should have in their back pocket, it’s this one.

This cheddar Irish soda bread is the bread you make when you want something warm, comforting, and homemade - without waiting for dough to rise or dealing with yeast. It’s rustic, hearty, and just cheesy enough to feel special, but still simple enough to throw together on a weeknight.

It’s the kind of bread you slice thick, slather with butter while it’s still warm, and eat standing at the counter because you can’t wait any longer. And honestly? Those are the best bites.

Why I Love Irish Soda Bread So Much

Irish soda bread is one of those recipes that feels like a little gift from the past. It was created to be practical - made with basic ingredients, baked quickly, and meant to nourish.

No yeast.
No kneading.
No fancy equipment.

Just mix, shape, and bake.

Adding cheddar takes it from “simple staple” to something you crave. The cheese melts into the bread, creating savory pockets and a golden crust that smells unreal while it bakes.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1½ cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for serving)
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions

The Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a cast iron skillet or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Make sure everything is evenly distributed - especially the baking soda.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated cheddar (and chives, if using). This helps coat the cheese in flour so it stays evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently mix until a soft dough forms.

Don’t overmix - as soon as it comes together, stop.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it into your skillet or onto the baking sheet.

Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the dough. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it that classic soda bread look.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool (just a little)

Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Then serve warm with butter.

This is the hard part is waiting but it’s worth it.

This Is a True One-Pot Recipe

I love recipes that don’t create a mountain of dishes - and this one really keeps things easy.

You mix everything in one bowl, shape it, and bake it in:

a cast iron skillet
or a baking sheet

That’s it. No stand mixer. No proofing. No stress.

It’s perfect for:

Cozy soups and stews
Chili nights
Simple dinners
Weekend brunch spreads

Or just… bread and butter. Which is always valid.

The Texture You’re Going For

This isn’t fluffy sandwich bread and it’s not supposed to be.

Irish soda bread is:

Dense, but tender
Slightly crumbly
Crispy on the outside
Soft and steamy inside

The cheddar adds richness and moisture, and the buttermilk keeps everything from feeling dry.

If you’ve never made soda bread before, don’t worry - it’s very forgiving.

How I Love to Serve This Bread

This cheddar Irish soda bread is incredible on its own, but it really shines alongside cozy meals.

I love it with:

It’s also amazing toasted the next day with a little butter or even an egg on top.

Storage & Leftovers

Store wrapped at room temperature for 1–2 days
Refrigerate up to 4 days
Toast slices to bring them back to life

This bread is best fresh, but it reheats beautifully.

Easy Variations

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably want to try:

White cheddar instead of sharp
Adding cracked black pepper
Mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary
Using half whole wheat flour

The base recipe is sturdy and flexible.

Why This Recipe Belongs on One Pot Pia

This bread checks all the boxes:

Simple ingredients
Minimal cleanup
No special skills required
Cozy, comforting results

It’s the kind of recipe that makes people feel confident in the kitchen and that’s exactly what One Pot Pia is all about.

Final Thoughts

This cheddar Irish soda bread is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen feel warm and lived-in. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need fancy tools. It just needs good ingredients and a little time in the oven.

And honestly? Few things beat slicing into warm, cheesy bread and spreading on butter while it melts into all those little cracks.

That’s the good stuff!!!

Looking for more bread recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

Cheddar Irish Soda Bread