The "Great British Baking Show" judge shared a soda bread recipe on TikTok, and it's not quite what traditionalists might expect.
If you’re a fan of The Great British Baking Show, you already know that Paul Hollywood has strong opinions when it comes to bread. So when the famously exacting baker shared what he calls a “very quick soda bread” on TikTok, it immediately caught my attention—especially with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner. Soda bread is one of the most recognizable Irish loaves; it’s simple, rustic and famously straightforward. Paul’s version, however, takes a few liberties.
Traditionalists may raise their eyebrows, but considering the recipe comes from one of television’s most famous bread bakers, it’s probably worth hearing him out. And according to Paul, the finished loaf will “change your life forever.”
What’s in Paul Hollywood’s soda bread recipe?
@britishbakeoff Paul Hollywood’s quick and easy soda bread recipe. #GBBO ♬ Nice and Easy – Louis Adrien
Instead of sticking strictly to the traditional formula of flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk, Paul folds in cheddar, Parmesan and chopped onion, turning the loaf into something much cheesier and more savory than classic Irish soda bread.
His dough starts with all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour, which add structure and a slightly nutty flavor. Then he breaks with tradition and mixes in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan and finely chopped onion. Paul also suggests playing with other variations. Blue cheese and walnuts, for example, are on his list—another reminder that this loaf is less about tradition and more about flavor.
How to Make Paul Hollywood’s Soda Bread
With no yeast and no rise time, Paul is right to call this a “very quick” soda bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1-2/3 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Step 1: Heat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour and salt. Add the cheddar cheese, the chopped onion and most of the Parmesan, reserving a small amount of Parmesan for topping.
Step 3: Add the liquids
Pour in the buttermilk and baking soda, and mix until a soft dough forms
Step 4: Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just until it comes together. Soda bread dough should be handled lightly; overworking it can make the loaf tough.
Step 5: Shape the dough
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the top slightly with your hands.
Step 6: Cut the traditional cross
Using a bench scraper or knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, dividing it into quarters while keeping the round shape intact. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan into the cuts and onto the loaf.
Step 7: Bake the soda bread
Bake the loaf for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing it. Traditional Irish soda bread purists might question the addition of cheese and onion, but considering the source, we’re inclined to trust Paul on this one.
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