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Irish Soda Bread

  • Author:
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes
  • Total Time: -29057000.816667 minute
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Category: Bread

Description

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.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted and

then measured

•1 teaspoon baking soda

•1 teaspoon salt

•3 tablespoon sugar

•7 tablespoons unsalted butter (make sure the butter is cold)

•1 large egg

*   1 ⅔ cups buttermilk

•1 cup raisins

• 2 Tablespoons of melted Kerry Gold Butter for brushing over baked bread. Optional but highly recommended.

Instructions

  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 (in preheated oven at 400 degrees) 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. Brush the top crust with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 132
  • Sugar: 5.49 g
  • Sodium: 157 mg
  • Fat: 5.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20.8 g
  • Fiber: .6 g
  • Protein: 1.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg