If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade bread recipe, Irish Soda Bread is the perfect choice. This classic bread requires no yeast, no kneading, and can be made in under an hour. With its crisp crust and tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add raisins or currants for a touch of sweetness, and enjoy it warm with butter or jam.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 1⅔ cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 egg
- 4 cups flour (480g)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoon baking soda (9g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (9g)
- 4 tablespoons butter, cold, diced (57g)
- 1 cup raisins (optional) or currants
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg, then set aside.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined. If you’re adding raisins or currants, mix them in now.
Combine Butter and Flour
- Add Butter: Add the diced butter to the flour mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into small pea-sized pieces.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dough: Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour the buttermilk mixture into it. Use a spatula to fold the mixture together until all the flour has been worked in. The dough should be a bit shaggy, and it’s okay if there are streaks of flour.
Shape the Dough
- Form the Loaf: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a loaf shape. Place the loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a seasoned cast iron pan.
Score and Bake
- Score the Bread: Score the top of the loaf with an “X” about ½-inch deep. This helps the center bake well.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top is getting too dark before the center is baked, tent the bread with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal.
Tips and Variations
- Mix by Hand: Avoid overworking the dough to prevent it from becoming tough. The dough should just come together enough to form a ball.
- Scoring: Scoring the bread helps it bake evenly and gives it a rustic look.
- Baking Vessels: You can bake this bread in a cast iron pan, parchment-lined baking sheet, cake pan, pie dish, or any round, shallow baking dish. Avoid using a loaf pan as it constrains the bread.
- Check Doneness: The bread is done when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped. For accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 200°F (93°C).
- Tent with Foil: If the top is browning too quickly, tent the bread with foil to allow the center to bake without burning the crust.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1⅔ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Irish Soda Bread is the easiest homemade bread recipe you’ll ever make. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for any meal. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf of bread that’s sure to impress.