A Bold Twist on an Irish Classic

There’s something comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Irish soda bread filling the kitchen. This traditional bread, a staple in Irish households for centuries, is known for its simplicity—no yeast, no fuss, just wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. But here at Shaft’s, we love adding a unique twist to classic recipes. That’s why we’re elevating this old-world favorite with the rich, tangy bite of our 1-Year Aged Blue.

Why Blue Cheese in Soda Bread?

Blue cheese brings a deep, savory complexity to the mildly sweet and rustic flavors of soda bread. The contrast between the creamy blue veins and the dense, hearty crumb creates a flavor experience that’s anything but ordinary. When paired with honey, butter, or a drizzle of olive oil, every bite becomes a gourmet delight.

Serving Ideas

This Blue Soda Bread is served with:
🍯 Butter & Honey – A sweet-savory balance that melts in your mouth.
🥘 Irish Stew – The bold, creamy blue cheese pairs beautifully with a hearty lamb or beef stew.
🧀 A Cheese Board – Serve with cured meats, fig jam, and a glass of Irish whiskey or stout.

Bake It & Share It!

This recipe is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply bringing a taste of Ireland to your table any time of year. If you try it, tag us on Instagram (@shaftscheese) with your creations—we’d love to see how you enjoy this bold take on tradition!

Ready to bake? Let’s go! 🧀☘️

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (or 1 wedge) of Shaft’s 1-Year Blue
• 1 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)

Directions:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients
• Chop/crumble blue cheese into the dry ingredients and mix
• Create a well in the dry ingredients for buttermilk and honey.
• Mix gently with wooden spoon or hands, careful not to over mix
• Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Form into a loaf shape
• Put loaf on prepared baking sheet and score deeply with an X
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the loaf is brown and it sounds hallow when tapped