Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day
In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, Gemma from Bigger Bolder Baking is sharing her mum’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe. This is a quick bread, which means it’s simple to make and requires no yeast.
Ingredients for Traditional Irish Soda Bread
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| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 450 g | 3 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Buttermilk | 400 ml | 1 ⅔ cups |
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
3. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared baking tray.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This traditional mark allows the bread to expand while baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
How to Store Traditional Irish Soda Bread
To keep your soda bread fresh, wrap it in a clean tea towel or place it in a bread bag at room temperature. It is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavour. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the bread.
Can You Freeze Traditional Irish Soda Bread?
Yes, soda bread freezes well. Slice the bread before freezing so you can defrost only what you need. Wrap the slices tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Why Is My Soda Bread Dense?
Dense soda bread is usually caused by overmixing the dough or using expired baking soda. Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which makes the bread heavy. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh to get the proper rise.
And yet another favourite to go with that bread…
Beef and Guinness Stew with Irish Soda Bread is a traditional Irish dish that’s perfect for a rainy day. This hearty stew, made from tender beef chunks, rich and flavourful Guinness beer, aromatic vegetables and herbs, simmers away in your kitchen for hours to create the ultimate comfort food. Served with warm, freshly-baked Irish soda bread, this is the ultimate comfort food meal. The beef creates a delicious and velvety texture in the stew, while the Guinness adds a deep, malty flavour that pairs nicely with the vegetables. The result is an incredibly flavourful dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your heart.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more delicious Irish baking inspiration, check out our Irish soda bread recipe and Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. If you love scones, don’t miss the Irish Soda Scones or the Homemade Irish Soda Bread with Raisins. For hearty meals to accompany your bread, explore our traditional Irish stew recipe and other 8 Irish comfort foods that taste like home.
Discover more about traditional Irish cooking and the rich food culture of Ireland. For those who enjoy baking, learn from the Irish Baker Abroad and try your hand at other classic recipes like Chris’s Guinness Bread or Chris’s Dinner Rolls.
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Valery Larkin
Friday 11th of February 2022
There is no such thing as 'Real Irish Vegan Soda Bread' This is the receipe for Real Irish Soda Bread 450g/1lb Cream Plain Flour 1 level teaspoon Bread Soda 1 level teaspoon Cream of Tartar Good pinch of Salt 25g/1oz Butter or Margarine 300ml/½pt Buttermilk or Sour Milk Method: Sieve flour, bread soda, cream of tartar and salt into a bowl. Add sugar if used. Rub in the butter/margarine to resemble breadcrumbs, lifting mixture with fingertips to introduce air to the dough. Add milk and mix to make a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured board and knead a little. Turn the smooth side up and shape into a round. Place the dough on a floured tin. Cut a cross over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F/Gas 5-6 for 40-45 minutes. When baked the underneath should have a hollow sound when tapped. Cool on a wire tray. Cover with a dry tea towel to give a soft crust.
Mary Lou Bailey
Thursday 3rd of February 2022
Where is the recipe with the ingredients and amounts for the video on the Irish Soda Bread? The one where the young woman bakes here Mum's recipe?