Soda Bread and Feta Recipe for a Delicious Twist

There’s nothing quite like the rustic charm and hearty texture of traditional soda bread, especially when paired with the tangy, creamy bite of feta cheese. This soda bread and feta recipe combines the comforting simplicity of Irish baking with a Mediterranean twist, perfect for elevating your bread basket or making a flavorful sandwich.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and yields a loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.

Imagine slicing into a warm, golden loaf, the feta scattered throughout adding bursts of saltiness to every bite. This bread is an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, or as a side for soups and salads.

Plus, it’s made without yeast, meaning no long rises — just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soda bread and feta recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare — no need to wait for dough to rise like traditional bread.

The baking soda and buttermilk work together to give the bread its delightful lift and crumb.

The addition of feta cheese enhances the bread’s flavor profile, adding a rich, savory note that pairs beautifully with herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes if you want to customize further. It’s also versatile enough to be served warm with butter or used as a base for hearty sandwiches.

Finally, this bread is naturally rustic and requires minimal equipment, making it accessible for all skill levels. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or casual weekend baking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk
• 150g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the baking soda evenly.
3. Add feta and parsley: Crumble the feta cheese into the dry mixture and sprinkle in the chopped parsley. Toss gently to incorporate.
4. Pour in buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf about 1 ½ inches thick. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet or skillet.
6. Score the bread: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it its traditional look.
7. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the surface with olive oil to encourage a golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure your buttermilk is cold when mixing. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 ½ cups milk with 1 ½ tsp lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.”

You can customize this soda bread by adding other mix-ins such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh rosemary for extra Mediterranean flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, try swapping feta for a softer cheese like goat cheese or ricotta.

To make it gluten-free, experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will differ from traditional soda bread. For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey and swap parsley for fresh thyme or oregano.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soda bread with feta is delicious served warm, slathered with butter or a drizzle of honey for contrasting flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of hearty vegetable soup or a fresh Greek salad for a light lunch.

For a satisfying snack, slice and top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or use it as the base for an open-faced sandwich with smoked salmon and dill. It’s also perfect alongside dips like hummus or tzatziki for gatherings.

Conclusion

This soda bread and feta recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor that fits perfectly into any mealtime. Its quick preparation and the rustic, homey texture make it a reliable favorite in any kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this bread will impress with its golden crust and savory cheese pockets.

Beyond flavor, the recipe invites creativity — you can easily adapt it with different herbs, cheeses, or add-ins to suit your taste. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little bit of tradition and a lot of deliciousness to your table.

Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself reaching for it again and again!

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