Alright, let’s kick off our St. Patrick’s Day culinary celebration with a classic: Irish Soda Bread! In continuing with our St.Patrick’s Day Irish themed food series, here is a super easy recipe for Irish Soda Bread. This simple, rustic loaf is the perfect accompaniment to any St. Paddy’s Day meal, from a hearty stew to a simple pat of butter. You may mix and knead the bread by hand, but if you have a stand up Kitchenaid mixer, I really recommend using it as this recipe will only take you about 10 minutes. I cranked out 6 loaves the other day under 40 minutes, proving just how quick and effortless this recipe can be. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread!
Irish Soda Bread (Makes 2 Loaves)
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or your preferred sugar substitute like honey or monkfruit, adjust to equivalent sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Glaze & Topping:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- Rolled oats (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of buttermilk and the egg.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Switch to the dough hook attachment, and mix on low speed until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Divide the dough in half.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently shape each half into a round loaf.
- Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare the Glaze and Score:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk.
- Brush the tops of the loaves with the glaze.
- Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” shape about 1/2 inch deep into the top of each loaf.
- Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with rolled oats.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the loaves are golden brown.
- After 30 minutes of baking, brush the loaves again with the remaining glaze.
- Continue baking until fully cooked.
- Cool:
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
