Preheat oven to 400°F.

In large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper and soda.

Use a pastry blender or a fork to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. Stir in the cheddar cheese.

Whisk the buttermilk and egg together and pour it over the flour and butter mixture.

Use a spoon and then your hands to bring the dough together into a ball. Dough should be very shaggy and slightly sticky.

Shape into a ball, flatten slightly with your hands, and score a big "x" on top.

Transfer dough to a cast iron skillet or a sheet pan lined with parchment.

Bake until top is golden brown, 40-45 minutes.

Serve warm with butter. Bread is even better toasted the next day!