Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
Irish soda bread is a true treasure of Irish baking, characterized by its rustic, hearty nature and a delightful crunch on the outside. It’s a simple quick bread that requires no yeast, making it incredibly easy to whip up, even for those who might not consider themselves bakers. The bread’s tender crumb, lightly sweetened with a touch of sugar, and the subtle tang from the buttermilk create an irresistible flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion, especially St. Patrick’s Day.
Table of Contents
This recipe brings back fond memories of my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour as she confidently threw together this delightful bread. The beautiful combination of buttery, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of wholesome grains transports me back to her cozy kitchen on chilly afternoons. With a handful of straightforward ingredients and just about an hour of your time, you can enjoy a fresh, warm loaf of Irish soda bread that rivals any store-bought version. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 10 minutes to prepare and about 55 minutes of baking!
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a warm, crusty exterior and a soft, tender interior that has hints of sweetness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully rustic, with a charming crust that makes it perfect for any table setting.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a snack, for breakfast, or alongside soups and stews, suitable for any meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be easily adapted—make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk: Buttermilk gives this bread its signature tang and adds moisture. You can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- 1 large egg (optional): While optional, the egg adds richness and helps with structure. You can omit it for a lighter bread.
- 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the bread’s structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: This little bit of sugar balances the tang from the buttermilk and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise in a delightful manner.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter creates a flaky texture. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter and reduce the additional salt slightly.
- 1 cup raisins (optional): These add a lovely touch of sweetness and texture. Feel free to swap them out for currants or nuts if you prefer.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Choose your baking pan: a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a seasoned cast iron skillet, or a greased cake or pie dish all work beautifully.
Combine Buttermilk and Egg: In a bowl, whisk together 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk and 1 large egg, then set it aside. This mixture is essential for achieving your desired texture and flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk these ingredients together to blend them uniformly.
Cut in the Butter: Add 5 tablespoons cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky texture.
Add Raisins: If you’re including them, stir in 1 cup of raisins now, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk-egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until the dough becomes too stiff to stir. Don’t overwork it; you want a tender loaf!
Knead the Dough: Transfer the crumbly dough to a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, work it into a ball. Knead it gently for about 30 seconds until all the flour is moistened, adding more flour if it’s too sticky.
Score the Dough: Place the dough into your chosen pan. Using a very sharp knife or bread lame, make a shallow cross or an “X” about 1/2 inch deep on the top of the dough. This scoring helps the bread bake evenly.
Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and the center reads 195°F (90°C) with an instant-read thermometer. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Cool the Bread: Once baked, take the loaf out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling process allows the bread to set.
Serve: Enjoy your bread warm, at room temperature, or toasted, and feel free to top with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Irish soda bread fresh, cover and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate it for a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in a toaster or a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Note that while refrigeration can affect the bread’s texture, a quick toast refreshes it beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is cold to achieve the best texture; room temperature butter can lead to a denser loaf.
- Avoid over-kneading the dough; this can make the bread tough instead of light and fluffy.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, create your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices; caraway seeds work beautifully with this bread if you want an additional twist.
Irish soda bread is not only easy to make but also a canvas for creativity. Think of adding nuts, a sprinkle of spices, or incorporating different dried fruits to suit your tastes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Irish soda bread without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes; this will mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
Can I freeze Irish soda bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the fully cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat slices in a toaster or oven.
What’s the best way to enjoy Irish soda bread?
While delicious on its own, Irish soda bread shines when paired with butter, jam, or even served alongside hearty soups and stews. It also makes wonderful toast topped with avocado or eggs for breakfast.
Why is my soda bread dense?
A dense bread can result from over-kneading or not using enough baking soda. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and knead the dough just enough to combine without excessive handling.
PrintMore Holidays recipes Recipes
- Mint Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats St Patrick’s Day
- Lucky Green St. Patrick Day Cinnamon Rolls
- Cheese Ball Bites
- Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread Recipe
- St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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: Holidays recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Soda Bread offers a delightful blend of buttermilk and butter, ensuring a moist texture and rich flavor. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for dinners or gatherings. Serve it warm with butter or enjoy it toasted with your favorite spreads.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 4 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or using a greased skillet or cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, then set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles pea-sized crumbs, then stir in the raisins.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead gently until the dough holds together. Shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough in your prepared pan and make a shallow cut on top using a sharp knife.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should read 195°F (90°C) when done.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving. Store leftovers wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for a week.
Notes
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute using regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
For a sweeter version, consider increasing the sugar or adding more raisins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
