Irish Cheddar & Green Onion Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a bowl.

Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the cheese and green onions, then add the buttermilk. Using a large spoon, mix gently and quickly until you have a nice soft dough. Add a little bit more buttermilk if necessary until the dough binds together without being too wet.

Step 4: Knead the dough very lightly on a lightly floured surface and then shape into a round that is roughly 6 inches.

Step 5: Place on the prepared baking sheet and cut a deep cross in the top.

Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 400°F and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the loaf is evenly golden and crusty. It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Transfer the cooked soda bread to a wire rack and leave to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 8: To serve, place the soda bread on a breadboard and cut into slices.