Classic Irish Soda Bread Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day
Description: Delight in the timeless charm of Irish Soda Bread with this straightforward and delightful recipe. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you’re craving a hearty, wholesome bread, this classic recipe combines simplicity with scrumptiousness. It’s an ideal choice for breakfast or a comforting snack, promising a golden crust and a tender crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds. 🌿🍞
Category: Breads
Keywords: Breakfast, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, St. Patrick’s Day, < 60 Mins
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Servings: 10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 198.3
- Fat: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 1.5mg
- Sodium: 398mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.3g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Protein: 6.4g
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure that you have your baking sheet ready, lightly floured to prevent sticking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Use a fork or a whisk to mix these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Pour 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk into the dry ingredients. If you’re using raisins, add 1/2 cup of them as well. The buttermilk should be slightly tangy, providing the traditional flavor of Irish Soda Bread and helping the bread rise. Stir the mixture quickly with a spoon or spatula until it comes together into a shaggy, dough-like consistency.
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Form the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough gently for just a few seconds, enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough; a quick knead is all it needs.
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Shape and Score: Place the dough ball onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the dough, extending all the way down the sides. This traditional scoring helps the bread cook evenly and gives it that classic Irish Soda Bread look.
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Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma of baking bread will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. For the ultimate experience, enjoy it warm right out of the oven with a pat of butter. If you can resist the temptation, letting it cool completely will also offer a delightful texture for sandwiches or toasted slices.
This Irish Soda Bread is wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities or any meal where comfort and tradition are key. 🌿🍞🍀
