Best 8 Real Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipes

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Real traditional Irish soda bread is a classic staple of Irish cuisine, renowned for its dense and flavorful texture, and distinct tangy taste. Unlike its leavened counterparts, soda bread requires no rising agent, instead relying on the reaction between baking soda and buttermilk to produce a light and fluffy loaf.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD



Traditional Irish Soda Bread image

This makes a fairly dense, rustic (ugly, even) loaf of bread that is tasty and not sweet. It is crusty and rough on the outside, chewy inside. Nummy hot with lots of butter! Note: sometimes (depending on humidity etc) it takes a bit more than the 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk--just keep adding a little bit at a time until it all holds together as stated in the recipe.

Provided by Halcyon Eve

Categories     Quick Breads

Time 1h

Yield 1 loaf, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 -1 1/2 cup buttermilk

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush a baking sheet with melted butter or spray with non-stick spray.
  • Combine dry ingredients in a deep bowl. Gradually stir in 1 cup buttermilk, beating constantly, until dough is firm enough to be gathered into a ball. If dough crumbles, add up to 1/2 cup more buttermilk, 1 tbsp at a time, until it holds together.
  • Place on a lightly floured board and pat into an 8-inch flattened round loaf.
  • Place loaf on baking sheet and slash a 1/2-inch deep "X" into the top of the dough with a small, sharp knife.
  • Bake at 425 degrees F for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden.
  • Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.8, Fat 0.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.2, Sodium 481.4, Carbohydrate 49.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.6, Protein 7.5

REAL IRISH SODA BREAD RECIPE



Real Irish Soda Bread Recipe image

Once upon a time, soda bread was baked over hot coals in a covered skillet, trapping steam from the dough to produce a wonderfully crusty loaf of bread-a setup anyone can re-create in a Dutch oven. Teamed up with low-protein all-purpose flour and volatile baking soda, buttermilk hits the sweet spot of gluten and carbon dioxide formation, creating a moist and fluffy soda bread that's chewy and crusty all at once.

Provided by Stella Parks

Categories     Quick Bread     Bread

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 4

15 ounces all-purpose flour, such as Gold Medal (3 cups; 425g)
1 3/4 teaspoons (7g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use the same weight or half as much by volume
1 1/8 teaspoons (6g) baking soda (see note)
18 ounces low-fat cultured buttermilk (2 1/4 cups; 510g), well shaken

Steps:

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 450°F (230°C) at least 15 minutes in advance. Roughly cover bottom of deep 10-inch cast-iron or enameled Dutch oven with sheet of parchment paper; no need to trim.
  • Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and whisk for full minute to combine. Stir in buttermilk with flexible spatula until dough is fully moistened and no pockets of flour remain. For extra-fluffy results, stop folding as soon as dough comes together. For extra-chewy results, fold dough about 20 seconds more. Scrape sticky dough into prepared Dutch oven and smooth with spatula into rough boule-like shape. Score deeply into quarters with sharp knife or razor, cleaning the blade between each slice.
  • Cover and bake until well risen and golden, 45 minutes. Remove lid and continue baking until chestnut brown, with an internal temperature of 210°F (99°C), 12 to 15 minutes longer. Invert onto a wire rack, discard parchment, turn right side up, and cool until crumb has set, about 30 minutes. Cut thick slices to accompany hearty soups and stews, or slice thinly for sandwiches. (This will be easier if bread cools at least 2 hours.) Store up to 24 hours in an airtight container and toast to freshen bread before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 444 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 1 g, ServingSize Makes one 10-inch loaf, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

REAL TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD



Real Traditional Irish Soda Bread image

A recipe passed down through an Irish family for many generations contains none of the modern supplements like yeast or sugar. This is a simple, very effective recipe.

Provided by barry

Categories     Breakfast and Brunch     Breakfast Bread Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk

Steps:

  • Heat a heavy skillet, griddle, or cast-iron frying pan over medium-low heat.
  • Stir the flour and salt together in a bowl, and sift in the baking soda. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the buttermilk. Stir the mixture quickly together into a dough, and turn out onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough a few times, just until it comes together. Gently form the dough into a flattened, round cake about 1/2 inch thick, and cut the round into quarters with a floured knife.
  • Sprinkle a little bit of flour into the bottom of the hot skillet, and cook the wedges 6 to 8 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Carbohydrate 50.6 g, Cholesterol 2.5 mg, Fat 1.2 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 380.2 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CLASSIC IRISH SODA BREAD



Classic Irish Soda Bread image

This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. -Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 1 loaf (8 pieces).

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
2 large eggs, room temperature, divided use
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup raisins

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Whisk together first 5 ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg and buttermilk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in raisins., Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times. Shape into a 6-1/2-in. round loaf; place on a greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cross in top of loaf. Whisk remaining egg; brush over top., Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 463mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD



Traditional Irish Soda Bread image

While soda bread with add-ins like currants and caraway can be delicious, it's not at all authentic. In Ireland, soda bread tends to be plainer and more restrained. Here is a classic recipe adapted from Darina Allen, an Irish television personality and the owner of the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry. This soda bread is is best eaten still steaming from the oven, slathered with good salted Irish butter that melts on contact with your slice. It's a fine accompaniment to corned beef and cabbage, should you be making that dish this St. Paddy's Day. Or make this recipe all year long. That's how they do it in Ireland.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     brunch, easy

Time 1h

Yield 1 loaf, 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

450 grams all-purpose flour (about 3 1/2 cups)
3 grams fine sea salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
4 grams baking soda (about 3/4 teaspoon)
1 1/2 cups buttermilk, more as needed

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk. Using your hand, mix in the flour from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but not wet and sticky.
  • Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface. Wash and dry your hands. Knead the dough lightly for a few seconds, then pat the dough into a round about 1 1/2 inches thick. Place it on a buttered baking sheet and using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross in the center of the dough reaching out all the way to the sides.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees, and continue to bake until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the bread sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes longer. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 174, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 188 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

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     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     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.

REAL IRISH SODA BREAD



Real Irish Soda Bread image

I have never found an Irish Soda Bread recipe (or commericially available loaf) that can hold a candle to this recipe. It is simple to make and you can also mix the dry ingredients, add a hang-tag listing the wet ingredients and baking instructions and you have an outrageously good gift. This is an absolutely authentic Irish recipe, and if you have never had a Soda Bread with fruit or caraway, it is probably due to the baker's preference to omit it, cost cutting measures or the way in which this recipe is prepared in a few regions of the country. Note: If you don't like caraway seeds, currants or raisins, don't add them. And don't overmix this dough. I blend wet and dry ingredients with a large spooon only until incorporated. Also, if like Pretty111, you provide a low-star review because you THINK the recipe isn't traditional, don't bother. This recipe is not listed as "traditional", just delicious. I think that if you do not try a recipe, you have some nerve giving it a low-star review. It is just unfair.

Provided by DeSouter

Categories     Quick Breads

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 tasty loaf, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch cream of tartar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream or 1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon caraway seed (I think they are a must) (optional)
1/2-3/4 cup currants or 1/2-3/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon uncooked oatmeal

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit.
  • Butter and flour a pie plate or round cake pan.
  • Sprinkle uncooked oats on the bottom of the pan.
  • Combine dry ingredients and currants.
  • Mix melted butter, eggs and then buttermilk and sour cream.
  • Stir in dry ingredients only until incorporated.
  • Put dough into a prepared pie pan, in a mound with a rounded top.
  • Cut an X in the top of the loaf.
  • Bake for 50 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161, Fat 5.2, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 34.9, Sodium 222, Carbohydrate 24.7, Fiber 1, Sugar 6.3, Protein 4

TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD



Traditional Irish Soda Bread image

This crusty, traditional Irish bread is a proud product of the peasant hearth-and the most suitable companion to Irish Stew. Soda bread requires no rising time, as baking powder, baking soda, and buttermilk act as leaveners.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     Bread Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup whole-wheat graham flour
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 2/3 cups buttermilk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Whisk together the flours, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. With a pastry blender or your fingertips, blend in butter until it resembles small peas. Add buttermilk all at once; stir with a fork until mixture holds together.
  • In the bowl, pat the dough into a domeshaped loaf about 7 inches in diameter. Lift out dough; transfer to lined sheet.
  • Lightly dust top of loaf with flour. Cut a 3/4-inch-deep cross in top, reaching almost all the way to edges. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until deep golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Tips:

  • Use buttermilk for a more authentic flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Be sure to grease your baking pan well to prevent the bread from sticking.
  • Don't overmix the dough, as this will make the bread tough.
  • Bake the bread at a high temperature for a short amount of time to create a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Real traditional Irish soda bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it warm with butter and jam for a classic Irish breakfast, or enjoy it toasted with your favorite soup or stew. No matter how you choose to eat it, you're sure to love this traditional Irish bread.

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