Irish Soda Bread is a delicious bread made with baking soda instead of traditional yeast and the perfect accompaniment to a hearty stew.
Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish Soda Bread or soda bread is dense yet moist. It’s history in Ireland began more out of necessity than tradition. Created back in the 1830s when baking soda, otherwise known as bicarbonate soda was introduced to the United Kingdom.
A simple bread to make using only a few ingredients it became popular cooked in iron pots or on griddles offering the dense texture the bread is known for.
No longer a classic recipe
These days you will find a myriad of variation of the bread out there as everyone has their way of making it.
We like to add in both raisins and dried cranberries and we use buttermilk in our bread.
St. Patrick’s Day
If you are contemplating a stew or some luscious dish that requires a bread dipper, then this is your recipe. It won’t fall apart while dipping and it’s the perfect bread to mop up all the juices and bottom of the dish bits.
A few hearty dishes to enjoy with your bread!
- Dublin Coddle (a traditional Irish Stew)
- Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew (let the slow cooker do the work)
- Chile Verde with Pork (have bread, must dip)
- Slow Cooker Carbonnade Flamande (see above re: slow cooker)
If you made this recipe tag Wanda Baker on Instagram and hashtag it #bakersbeans or #wandabaker
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Combine first 5 ingredients. Stir in raisins.
- Mix together buttermilk and butter; stir into flour mixture until blended.
- Knead for 1-2 minutes.
- Shape into a round loaf, 2 inches thick.
- Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an "X" in top of loaf, cutting 1/4 inch deep.
- Bake at 350F for 45 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a rack.
We made this and it was great!
I’m making a batch this weekend. Looks delicious!
I love all bread so it’s not surprising I loved this bread too. Thanks for sharing.
We love Homemade Soda Bread and these are so delicious with Tomato Soup.
Soup is an excellent idea!
I always enjoy soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day, but I’ve never actually made it. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
You won’t believe how easy it is!
I love Irish Soda Bread and nothing beats homemade. This sounds perfect! I’m ready to go bake up a loaf right now!
You are making me hungry!
Love irish soda bread – I had no idea that it did not fall apart when eating with sauces ! Great recipe!
Makes a great dipper!
Yum! I love how easy soda bread is. Great idea to add dried cranberries too.
Am enjoyable annual treat!
I make Irish Soda Biscuits for every St. Paddy’s Day Dinner. My recipe is very simple, almost same as above, but have not used cranberries (will be trying them next time). I separate the dough and place in greased muffin tin, bake for 12 to 13 minutes at 425 degrees. Everyone loves them and so much easier than slicing the bread without its crumbling.
I love your idea of using muffin tins! I’m going to try that next time.