Irish Soda Bread
This quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe produces a crusty loaf without yeast, perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with butter and jam.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup more for dusting) Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Add more for a sweeter bread if desired.
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda Make sure baking soda is fresh for best results.
Wet Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter (plus 1/2 Tbsp to grease pan) Keep this cold for better texture.
- 1 3/4 cups cold lowfat buttermilk or kefir Must be cold to assist in proper rising.
- 1 large cold egg Room temperature egg can be used if necessary.
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional) Can be replaced with nuts or seeds as desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375˚F and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with 1/2 Tbsp of butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces, then work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If including raisins or cranberries, stir them in now.
- In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the cold buttermilk and the cold egg until well blended.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the buttermilk-egg mixture into it. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough is lightly moistened.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to over-mix.
Baking
- Place the shaped dough into the greased skillet. Score a deep 'X' across the top and bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until it sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling
- After baking, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool.
- Consume within two days, refrigerate leftover for up to a week.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, honey, or jam. Store wrapped tightly at room temperature, refrigerate for longer shelf life, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5g