Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, with the scent of warm buttermilk and a hint of sweetness lingering in the air. Irish Soda Bread is a beautiful, uncomplicated rustic bread that embodies the charm of traditional Irish cooking. This loaf is characterized by its slightly dense yet tender texture, with a crisp crust that offers a delightful contrast to its fluffy interior. Simplicity at its finest, this bread requires no yeast, thanks to the baking soda that gives it a lovely rise.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I pulled a warm loaf of Irish Soda Bread from the oven. It was during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, filled with laughter, stories, and the vibrant spirit of Irish culture. The excitement as we broke bread together, slathering it with butter, was a moment I’ll cherish forever. This Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe is not only a quick fix for your cravings but also a wonderful centerpiece for any gathering. Join me on this journey to recreate that delicious nostalgia in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and 55 minutes in the oven—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttermilk and a touch of sugar gives this bread a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The scored top gives it a rustic charm that’s fun to showcase at any meal.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, as a side with dinner, or even as a tasty snack with jam or cheese.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to omit the raisins for a classic version or substitute them with nuts or chocolate chips!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and a pleasant tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- 1 large egg (optional): This can enrich the dough and add a beautiful color to the crust, though it’s perfectly fine to skip it if you prefer.
- 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Use spooned and leveled flour for the best measurements, ensuring a light and airy loaf.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Offers a slight sweetness that balances the savory notes of the bread. You might substitute with brown sugar, which adds a deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is the leavening agent for our soda bread; it creates that delightful rise without the need for yeast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and brings balance to the sweetness.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Making this bread super tender. Cold butter is crucial, so don’t leave it out too long before use!
- Optional: 1 cup raisins: They provide a sweet chewy element, but you can also swap them out for dried cranberries or nuts if you prefer.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). You have several options for baking pans: a lined baking sheet, a seasoned cast iron skillet, a greased pie dish, or even a Dutch oven. Each will give slightly different results, so choose what works for you.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk and the optional egg until well combined, then set it aside. This mixture is crucial for moist and tender bread.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Keeping your dry ingredients well-mixed ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed.
Cut in Butter: Add 5 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingers), mix until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step contributes to the tenderness of the bread.
Incorporate Raisins: If you’re adding raisins, fold in 1 cup of them now. They add little bursts of sweetness throughout the bread, making each bite a surprise.
Form the Dough: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently fold until the dough comes together. You may find it crumbly; that’s completely fine! Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and coax it into a ball with floured hands. Knead the dough gently for just 30 seconds, ensuring all flour is moistened but being careful not to overwork it.
Prepare for Baking: Place the formed dough into your prepared baking pan of choice. Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, score an X or a single slash about 1/2 inch deep across the top. This critical step allows the bread to expand while baking.
Bake the Bread: Pop it into the oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the center looks cooked through and the top has turned a lovely golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. For an accurate check, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center reaches 195°F (90°C).
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy it while it’s warm or at room temperature, with your favorite spreads. It’s incredible toasted with a touch of butter or jam!
Storing & Reheating
Once your Irish Soda Bread has cooled completely, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil helps maintain moisture. If you have leftovers, consider wrapping individual slices and freezing them for up to 3 months. To enjoy it again, simply thaw and toast for a refreshing blast of warmth and flavor, though keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-knead the dough; it should be mixed just until the flour is incorporated to maintain a light texture.
- If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of additional flour until you achieve a workable consistency, but avoid adding too much.
- For enhanced flavor, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- If you choose to leave out the raisins, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
- This recipe is perfect for adapting; feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins!
There’s nothing quite like homemade Irish Soda Bread, bringing heartwarming vibes to any table. It’s quick to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones, creating memories around the dinner table just like the ones I cherish. Remember, there are no hard rules—experiment and make it your own, bringing a bit of your personality into each loaf.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using in your recipe. This will mimic the tangy flavor and acidity needed for the bread!
How do I prevent my bread from becoming too dry?
The key is to avoid overbaking! Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. As soon as it hits 195°F (90°C) and the bread appears golden brown, your loaf is done. Also, make sure that you store it in an airtight container to keep moisture in.
What can I serve with Irish Soda Bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. Try it with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast. It also works well as a side with soups or stews and can be toasted for a delicious snack.
How long will Irish Soda Bread last?
When stored properly at room temperature, this bread can last up to two days. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about a week. If you freeze it, it’s best enjoyed within three months for optimal flavor and texture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Soda Bread is a delicious, homemade delight featuring buttermilk and raisins. It’s easy to prepare and perfect as a side or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) buttermilk*
- 1 large egg (optional, see note)
- 4 and 1/4 cups (531g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for your hands and counter
- 3 tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons (71g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed*
- optional: 1 cup (150g) raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Choose your baking pan: use a parchment-lined baking sheet, a seasoned cast iron skillet, or a greased cake pan. If using a Dutch oven, bake without the lid.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly, then add raisins.
- Pour in the buttermilk mixture and fold until the dough is thick. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 30 seconds until moist. Add more flour if too sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball and transfer to the prepared pan. Score the top with a sharp knife, making a slash or X about 1/2 inch deep.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, using a thermometer to check for 195°F (90°C). Tent with foil if browning quickly.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
The egg is optional for a richer flavor.
Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in foil to keep it fresh.
Slice and enjoy with butter or your favorite spreads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
