Buzz
Irish soda bread is a hearty, delicious baked treat typically enjoyed during Saint Patrick’s Day festivities. However, this simple-to-make bread can bring joy year-round, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Serve Irish soda bread alongside butter and marmalades for a delightful breakfast or pair it with a hearty stew for comforting dinner. You can quickly whip up a loaf of Irish soda bread using the recipe provided below, or use it to craft delicious French toast for a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe
- 4 cups (480 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (4.2 g) of baking soda
- 1 tsp (4.2 g) of salt
- 14 fluid ounces (0.41 L) of buttermilk
Yields 1 loaf
Recipe for Irish Soda Bread French Toast
- Sliced Irish soda bread
- 3 eggs
- 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of milk
- 1/2 tsp (2.4 g) of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (2.4 g) of nutmeg
Instructions
Serving Irish Soda Bread with Elegance
Enjoy Irish soda bread while it's warm. While the bread is still good at room temperature, it truly shines when it's warm. The warmth enhances its dense, cake-like texture and brings out its robust flavors. Aim to serve it fresh from the oven or lightly toasted.
- To warm the bread, you can return it to the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for 7 to 8 minutes.
- While it's hot, spread some butter on the slices to let it melt and seep into the bread.
Slice the bread loaf. Using a bread knife, slice the loaf lengthwise into pieces approximately 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick. This thickness ensures the bread holds together well while eating.
- For a change, consider cutting the bread into quarters or wedges instead of traditional slices.
Present the loaf on the table. If you're serving the bread with a meal, place it on the table for guests to help themselves. Use a bread boat, plate, or basket, optionally lined with a white linen doily to maintain warmth.
- Either pre-slice the bread or provide a bread knife for guests' convenience.
- For crumbly loaves, offer small bread plates to keep the table tidy.
Keep the bread fresh in an airtight container. Once everyone has enjoyed the bread, store the leftovers properly. Wrap it in plastic, place it in a resealable bag, or store it in a bread box to prevent staleness.
- For optimal flavor and texture, aim to consume the soda bread within 2 to 3 days.
Indulge in Irish Soda Bread
Pair Irish soda bread with butter. This classic serving method involves slicing the bread while it's warm and spreading on a generous layer of room-temperature butter. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to enhance its creamy taste.
- Combine room-temperature butter with freshly chopped herbs like rosemary for a fragrant herbal butter.
- For a vegan option, substitute coconut butter or olive oil for traditional butter.
Accompany the bread with citrus marmalades. The robust flavor of Irish soda bread complements sweet or tangy citrus marmalades exceptionally well. You can either purchase marmalade or make your own at home.
- If the bread isn't fresh, toast it before adding the marmalade for optimal enjoyment.
- Berry jams and jellies also make excellent pairings.
Serve a slice alongside a stew. The dense texture of Irish soda bread pairs wonderfully with hearty stews, particularly Irish stew. Use it to soak up the flavorful juices or to enjoy alongside the meat and vegetables.
- You can prepare your own beef and barley stew or purchase it from specialty grocery stores.
Dunk your soda bread into soup. A buttery slice of soda bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of minestrone soup. Use it to soak up the broth or enjoy it as a flavorful side dish.
- Since soda bread is relatively plain, it complements the flavors of various soups.
Create a sandwich. The mild flavor of Irish soda bread pairs well with any sandwich filling. Try classic combinations like Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut. For a unique twist, spread apple butter on toasted soda bread slices and top with freshly cooked bacon.
- To prevent crumbling, toast the bread slices before assembling the sandwich.
- While any cheese works, blue cheese is particularly delicious with Irish soda bread.
- For a variation, make an open-faced sandwich with toasted bread and cheese.
Creating Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Set up your workspace. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). While it heats, prepare a 9 in (23 cm) round cake pan by greasing and flouring it. Alternatively, opt for a pre-seasoned cast-iron skillet for a more authentic touch.
- To grease and flour a cake pan, coat it with butter and dust with flour, shaking off any excess.
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Measure out 4 cups (120 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (4.2 g) of baking soda, and 1 tsp (4.2 g) of salt, then mix them in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure an even mixture, eliminating any clumps.
- If there are clumps in the flour, sift it before mixing.
- For brown soda bread, substitute three cups of white flour with whole wheat flour.
Add 14 fluid ounces (0.41 L) of buttermilk. Pour in the buttermilk and gently fold it into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Overmixing will result in a smoother crust, while minimal mixing maintains the traditional coarse texture.
- Avoid using an electric mixer, which can overmix the batter and hinder rising.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Once the batter is in the pan, tap it on the counter to release any air bubbles. Then, use a sharp knife to cut an “X” into the dough to promote even baking.
- Traditionally, the “X” was believed to release trapped air, but its main purpose is to ensure thorough baking.
Bake the bread for 30 to 45 minutes. Position your soda bread in the center of a preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes initially. Check the loaf intermittently post the 30-minute mark to gauge its readiness. The crust should exhibit a firm texture, and when a toothpick is inserted into the center, it should emerge clean.
- If using a cast-iron skillet instead of a cake pan, anticipate a baking time of around 45 minutes.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. Once the bread has finished baking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack for cooling. Cooling the bread outside the pan prevents the crust's bottom from becoming soggy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- If the bread crumbles excessively during slicing, extend the cooling time slightly to allow for firming.
Creating Irish Soda Bread French Toast
Slice the soda bread into 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) thick pieces. Using a bread knife, cut your soda bread into thick slices, ideal for French toast. Whether fresh or slightly stale, the bread will suit perfectly for skillet cooking in the next step.
Combine eggs, milk, and spices in a bowl. In a large bowl, mix 3 eggs, 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of milk, 1/2 tsp (2.4 g) of cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp (2.4 g) of nutmeg with a whisk until thoroughly combined. A few stubborn egg bits are inconsequential; they'll cook away while making French toast.
- Occasional unmixable egg bits will cook onto the bread and vanish.
Coat each soda bread slice in the egg mixture. Gently immerse a slice of Irish soda bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it absorbs the mixture thoroughly on both sides. Transfer the soaked slice evenly onto your skillet.
- Your hands may become a bit messy during this step, but the end result is worthwhile!
Skillet fry the French toast. Heat a buttered skillet over medium heat on the stove. Place a battered bread slice onto the skillet and fry until both sides turn golden brown. Transfer the cooked slice to a plate to cool before serving.
- If the bread begins to smoke, reduce the skillet heat slightly and continue cooking.
Present the French toast. Traditionally, French toast is a sweet breakfast option. Top a few slices with maple syrup, berries, and powdered sugar for a delightful treat. Alternatively, French toast can also serve as a savory dish. Utilize French toast slices, bacon, and a fried egg to craft a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Handy Tips
Essential Items
Presenting Irish Soda Bread at the Table
- Bread knife
- Plates
- Airtight container
Crafting Traditional Irish Soda Bread
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Circular pan
- Wire rack
Preparing Irish Soda Bread French Toast
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
