Best 8 Brian Brophys Irish Soda Bread Recipes

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In the pursuit of creating the perfect loaf of Brian Brophy's Irish soda bread, home bakers have embarked on a culinary journey filled with tradition, experimentation, and the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread. Originating from the kitchens of Ireland, this classic bread boasts a unique combination of hearty texture, subtle sweetness, and a slightly tangy flavor that has captured the hearts of bread enthusiasts worldwide. One of the key elements to achieving the ideal loaf lies in the selection of high-quality ingredients, including buttermilk, which contributes to the bread's characteristic moistness and delicate crumb. As you gather your ingredients, prepare to be immersed in a sensory experience that will transport you to the rolling green hills of Ireland, where the tradition of soda bread baking has been passed down through generations.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

IRISH SODA BREAD



Irish soda bread image

Get the taste of Ireland with this fresh, no-fuss soda bread

Provided by Margaret Hickey

Categories     Buffet, Side dish, Snack

Time 55m

Yield Makes 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 7

250g plain white flour
250g plain wholemeal flour
100g porridge oats
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp salt
25g butter, cut in pieces
500ml buttermilk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C and dust a baking sheet with flour. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then rub in the butter. Pour in the buttermilk and mix it in quickly with a table knife, then bring the dough together very lightly with your fingertips (handle it very, very gently). Now shape it into a flat, round loaf measuring 20cm/8in in diameter.
  • Put the loaf on the baking sheet and score a deep cross in the top. (Traditionally, this lets the fairies out, but it also helps the bread to cook through.) Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it isn't ready after this time, turn it upside down on the baking sheet and bake for a few minutes more.
  • Transfer to a wire rack, cover with a clean tea towel (this keeps the crust nice and soft) and leave to cool. To serve, break into quarters, then break or cut each quarter in half to make 8 wedges or slices - or simply slice across. Eat very fresh.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296 calories, Fat 5 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 56 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, Sodium 1.21 milligram of sodium

BRIAN BROPHY'S IRISH SODA BREAD



Brian Brophy's Irish Soda Bread image

This is the very best Irish Soda Bread. The recipe was given to me by my friend, Brian Brophy, with an assist from Mean Chef who gave me the technique for making it light and airy.

Provided by Ceil from NJ

Categories     Quick Breads

Time 1h20m

Yield 1 loaf, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups unsifted flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
4 ounces butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces and left in the refrigerator un use
1/2 lb raisins (Sunmaid for baking are best) (optional)
1 teaspoon caraway seed (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Toss mixture with hands or wire whisk to make it light and airy.
  • Put dry mixture and butter into a food processor and pulse a few times until butter is the size of peas Return to bowl and add raisins and/or caraway seeds if using.
  • Beat eggs in a separate bowl, add buttermilk and blend well.
  • Pour egg mixture, a little at a time, into dry mixture.
  • Blend well with a spoon or spatula.
  • Don't overmix.
  • Dough should be heavy, but not too wet.
  • If too dry, add a little more buttermilk.
  • Dust hands with flour and mold dough into a round.
  • Place dough into a greased 9" round pan.
  • Dust top generously with flour.
  • Cut a deep cross into the dough.
  • This will prevent the bread from cracking, and it looks traditional.
  • Bake at 350°F for one hour, or until well browned and center is not doughy.
  • Cool on rack, and serve warm w/butter and jam.

IRISH SODA BREAD



Irish Soda Bread image

For quick and easy bread, make Ina Garten's Irish Soda Bread recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network � just mix, knead and bake.

Provided by Ina Garten Bio & Top Recipes

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.
  • With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.
  • Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.
  • Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calorie, Fat 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Cholesterol 23 milligrams, Sodium 312 milligrams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, Sugar 11 grams

IRISH SODA BREAD WITH CHEDDAR AND CHIVES



Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar and Chives image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated sharp Cheddar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper to a large bowl. Whisk to break up any lumps of flour. Add the Cheddar and chives. Stir to evenly combine the ingredients. Set aside.
  • Add the buttermilk and egg to a 2-cup measuring cup. Use a fork to scramble the egg into the buttermilk.
  • Add the buttermilk mixture to the bowl with the flour mixture and use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough until it comes together, about 1 minute. Flip the dough so that it is seam-side down and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Use a serrated knife to cut a 1/2-inch-thick X on the top of the dough.
  • Bake until the bread is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.

RICH IRISH SODA BREAD



Rich Irish Soda Bread image

By adding an egg, sugar, caraway seeds, and butter to a traditional Irish soda bread recipe, you create a loaf that's moist with more flavor, perfect for a Sunday breakfast or brunch. Wrapped well with plastic wrap, it can be stored at room temperature until the last crumb is eaten. Like all Irish soda breads, this freezes well.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Bread Recipes

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons caraway seeds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 cups golden or dark raisins
1 1/2 scant cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and caraway seeds until well combined.
  • Using a pastry cutter or two knives in scissor fashion, cut in butter until the mixture feels like coarse meal. Stir in raisins until evenly distributed.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and baking soda until well combined. Pour buttermilk mixture into the flour-and-butter mixture all at once, and stir with a fork until all the liquid is absorbed and the mixture begins to hold together. It should resemble a rough biscuit dough. Using your hands, press the dough into a round, dome-shaped loaf about 8 inches in diameter. Lift the loaf from the bowl, and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and cream together. With a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the loaf. With a sharp knife or razor, incise a cross, about 1/2 inch deep, into the top of the loaf. Transfer to the oven. Bake, rotating halfway through, until it is deep golden brown and a wooden skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center, about 70 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer bread from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool.

BEST IRISH SODA BREAD



Best Irish Soda Bread image

This recipe is similar to the one passed down through generations of my Irish family. I rarely touch a mixer because kneading by hand makes the bread taste so good.-Kerry McCormack, Marietta, GA

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 2 loaves (8 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cold butter, cubed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup raisins or 3 tablespoons caraway seeds

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk; stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in raisins. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; gently knead 5-6 times., Divide dough in half; shape each portion into a round loaf. Place 6 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. , Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255 calories, Fat 12g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 343mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

FOOLPROOF IRISH SODA BREAD



Foolproof Irish Soda Bread image

Hearty Irish soda bread is easy to make. It's welcome any time of year but is essential on St. Patrick's Day.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Bread Recipes

Yield Makes 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup apple-cider vinegar
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface and dusting
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup unprocessed wheat bran
1/4 cup caraway seeds
1 cup (5 ounces) raisins
Salted butter, preferably Irish, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Mix milk and vinegar in a small bowl, and let stand until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Cut in unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add bran, caraway seeds, and raisins; stir to distribute.
  • Pour milk mixture into flour mixture; stir until dough just holds together but is still sticky. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat and press the dough gently into a round, dome-shaped loaf, about 7 inches in diameter. Transfer to prepared sheet.
  • Lightly dust top of loaf with flour. With a sharp knife, cut an X into the top, 3/4 inch deep. Bake, rotating halfway through, until loaf is golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour, 10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Soda bread is best eaten the day it is made; serve with salted butter.

BRENNAN'S IRISH SODA BREAD



Brennan's Irish Soda Bread image

Warm and soft Irish tradition passed down our family line, and directly into our bellies.

Provided by irishfishstick

Categories     Breakfast Bread

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup milk
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Stir the milk and vinegar together, and allow to stand until curdled, about 10 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually stir the soured milk into the flour mixture until the dough just comes together, and turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead a few times, and shape into a round. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut an X shape into the top of the dough to release steam and help the bread keep its round shape.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135.1 calories, Carbohydrate 26.8 g, Cholesterol 2.4 mg, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 237.1 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips:

  • Use cold buttermilk or yogurt to activate the baking soda and give the bread a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Do not overmix the dough, as this will make the bread tough.
  • Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or cross to allow steam to escape during baking.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven to ensure an evenly browned crust.
  • Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Irish soda bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized with a variety of add-ins, such as raisins, currants, or caraway seeds. Whether you are a novice baker or an experienced cook, you are sure to enjoy this classic Irish recipe.

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