Irish Soda Bread

This Irish soda bread is simple to make and delivers a crusty, golden loaf with a slight sweetness from golden raisins and richness from buttermilk and butter. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy family dinner, it’s quick, flavorful, and easy for any baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Yeast, No Rising Time: This recipe is incredibly easy to make with no need for yeast or rising time—just mix, shape, and bake!
• Rich Flavor: Buttermilk gives the bread a rich, slightly tangy taste, complemented by the tenderness of butter.
• Sweet Burst of Flavor: Golden raisins (or dark raisins) add a natural sweetness to every bite, balancing the savory notes of the bread.
• Soft Texture: With the addition of just one egg, this bread has a slightly softer, more tender texture than most traditional soda breads.
• Versatile: Perfect for slathering with butter, or serving alongside your favorite stew, soup, or just as a snack.
• Quick and Simple: This bread comes together in no time, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.

The History of Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread has its roots in the 19th century, originating in Ireland during a time of economic hardship. Before the advent of baking powder, Irish families used baking soda, combined with buttermilk, as a leavening agent, which was more accessible and affordable than yeast. The acidic buttermilk would react with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide, causing the bread to rise without the need for long fermentation.

Traditional Irish soda bread is made with simple ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It was often cooked on a griddle or in a cast-iron pot, and its distinctive round shape, often with a cross scored on top, was both practical and symbolic—meant to allow the bread to cook evenly and to ward off evil spirits.

Over time, variations have developed, with ingredients like raisins, currants, or caraway seeds added to suit personal tastes. This bread was traditionally made in cast iron pots, and it’s perfect for pairing with hearty stews or simply enjoying on its own with a bit of butter.
Irish soda bread remains a beloved staple, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day, embodying the resourcefulness and history of the Irish people.

The True Meaning of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a time for parades and celebration—it’s a reminder of faith, resilience, and purpose. St. Patrick himself dedicated his life to Christ, returning to Ireland not for glory, but for the people, to bring them the Gospel. His story is one of redemption, calling, and unwavering commitment, which makes this day even more special as I reflect on its true meaning. In a world that often rushes past history, taking a moment to meditate on the deeper purpose behind this day brings a renewed sense of gratitude and inspiration.

In the early church, believers went from house to house, breaking bread together, sharing meals, and strengthening their faith as a community. There’s something sacred about sharing food, about gathering at the table in love and fellowship. As we make this bread, I hope you remember that it’s more than just a recipe—it’s a symbol of hospitality, of faith, and of coming together. Just as St. Patrick returned to Ireland to bring light to his people, may this bread remind us to nurture and nourish those around us, both physically and spiritually. Food has always been a way to share love, and this simple soda bread, like St. Patrick’s message, carries with it the heart of tradition, faith, and home.

What you’ll need to make Irish Soda Bread: ( Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this

•  All-purpose flour

•  Baking soda

•. Salt

• Buttermilk

• Butter (unsalted)

• Sugar (optional, but adds a slight sweetness)

• Raisins or currants

•  1 large egg (for added richness)

How to make Irish Soda Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. . If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to heat as well. Grease the cast iron skillet with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil before placing it in the oven.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you prefer a sweeter soda bread, add 3 tablespoons of sugar. Next, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles small peas.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk-egg mixture into the dry ingredients.  Stir gently with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. If you’re adding raisins or currants, fold them in gently.
4. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it about 5 times, just until it holds together. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it onto a greased baking sheet or into the hot cast iron skillet.
5. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, score an “X” or a cross T shape on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread bake evenly and allow it to rise properly.
6. Bake the Bread: Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick to check if it comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam or enjoy as a side with your favorite stew or soup.

Tips for making the best Irish Soda Bread!

• Don’t overwork the dough! Soda bread is meant to be mixed lightly. Over-mixing can make the bread dense.
• The dough should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
• For extra flavor, add raisins or currants. If you prefer a more savory loaf, skip the raisins and add a little extra salt.
• Bake immediately after mixing. Soda bread doesn’t need to rise, and it’s best to bake it right away after combining all the ingredients.
• For a softer crust, cover the bread with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove it for the remaining time to get that crispy golden finish.
• Brush the baked loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven. Preferably Kerry Gold Irish Butter of course!
• Let the bread cool slightly, but don’t wait too long—soda bread is best enjoyed fresh!

Storing Irish Soda Bread:

1. Room Temperature: Wrap it tightly: If you plan to eat the bread within 2-3 days, wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can also store it in an airtight container. Keep it cool and dry: Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in the fridge as it may dry out faster.
2. If you want to keep it longer (up to a week): Cut into slices: If you’ve already sliced the bread, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Irish Soda Bread:

1. Whole Loaf: Cool the bread completely: Allow the bread to cool completely after baking to prevent condensation from forming inside the wrapping. Wrap it well: Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil or place it in a large resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Label it: Don’t forget to label the bag with the date, so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. The bread will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
2. Sliced Irish Soda Bread: Cool and slice: Once the bread has cooled completely, slice it into individual portions. Wrap slices individually: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can grab a single slice when you want it. Freeze for up to 3 months: Just like the whole loaf, the sliced bread will freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Irish Soda Bread: For a whole loaf: Let it thaw on the counter for a few hours before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust. For slices: You can toast slices directly from the freezer or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.

This recipe gives you a beautiful, rustic loaf that’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. With one egg added to the dough, you’ll have a slightly softer and more tender bread compared to traditional versions. Enjoy baking, and let me know how it turns out!

More quick bread recipes that you will love!

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Blueberry Lemon Bread with Lemon Icing

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipe. I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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