Best 2 Favorite Irish Bread Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, Irish breads have earned a cherished place, captivating taste buds with their unique flavors and textures. From the iconic soda bread, with its rustic charm and airy crumb, to the indulgent barmbrack, studded with plump raisins and candied fruit, Irish breads offer a captivating journey through a rich culinary heritage. Whether you seek a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations or a contemporary twist on a classic, this guide will lead you on a delectable exploration of the best Irish bread recipes, ensuring that your kitchen becomes a haven of warmth and aroma.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FAVORITE IRISH BREAD

Favorite Irish Bread image

Serve this classic from the Emerald Isle with butter, jam and a hot cup of tea. Baking this beauty in a 9-in. pan means there is enough to go around. —Sadie Rotondo, Rockland, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
2 cups 2% milk, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, melted
1-1/2 cups raisins
2 tablespoons caraway seeds, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, whisk egg, milk and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raisins and, if desired, caraway seeds. , Transfer to a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Remove from pan onto a wire rack. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 193mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

FAVORITE IRISH SODA BREAD

Favorite Irish Soda Bread image

My best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. -Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 loaf (12 wedges).

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup raisins
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon canola oil

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Stir in raisins. Set aside 1 tablespoon beaten egg. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, oil and remaining eggs; stir into flour mixture just until moistened (dough will be sticky). Transfer to a greased 9-in. round baking pan; brush top with reserved egg., Bake 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool. Cut into wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 447mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

Tips for Perfect Irish Bread:

Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in the taste and texture of your bread. Look for unbleached flour, real butter, and fresh buttermilk.
Follow the recipe carefully: Irish bread is a simple bread to make, but it's important to follow the recipe carefully to ensure success.
Don't overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will make your bread tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined and then knead the dough briefly until it is smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: The dough should rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Bake the bread in a preheated oven: The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before you bake the bread. This will help the bread to rise evenly and develop a golden crust.
Cool the bread before slicing: Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the bread to hold its shape and prevent it from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Irish bread is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a great bread to use for sandwiches, croutons, and bread pudding. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this bread is a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying bread to try, give Irish bread a try!