Ever wonder why some recipes just sing to your soul? If you’ve stumbled upon a truly gorgeous recipe lately, chances are it might be one of Sally McKenney’s creations. Sally’s Baking Addiction is, without a doubt, one of the most cherished food blogs out there, and rightly so. Her recipes? They are foolproof, mouthwateringly delicious, and brimming with personality. These recipes are incredibly dear to Sally’s heart.
“I grew up watching my grandmother in the kitchen, utterly captivated by all the foods she knew how to whip up from scratch, most notably her pecan pie, cherry pie, and Irish soda bread,” Sally shares. “She passed away in 2011 and just two weeks later, I started my food blog.”
The Legacy of Irish Soda Bread: A Family Tradition
It took Sally a little while to unearth her grandmother’s treasured St. Patty’s Day recipe for Irish soda bread. But once she did, she baked it repeatedly, tweaking and perfecting until it felt just right. “I make it every March on her birthday, March 17,” she says. And for the last decade, since her recipe has been shared, the internet has gone wild, making it a go-to for bakers everywhere. One ecstatic fan on her blog exclaimed, “I absolutely LOVE IT!!! It came out perfect!! A wonderful crusty outside and deliciously soft inside!” Another chimed in, “Even a day later, it’s lovely slathered in butter.” Isn’t that the best kind of compliment?
There’s a solid reason this recipe makes its rounds every St. Patrick’s Day: it’s a classic that delivers consistently. This is arguably one of the best options out there, and here’s why.
What Makes Irish Soda Bread So Special?
Irish soda bread is a testament to the fact that simplicity can indeed be magic. No need to wait for it to rise, no laborious kneading, and absolutely no fussing involved. Traditionally, it’s made with just four essential ingredients: flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. What could be easier?
The true magic lies in the chemical reaction between the baking soda and the buttermilk. That’s the secret behind how this quick bread rises. If you truly want to honor tradition, take a page from those who’ve been making this for ages. Sally’s version, inspired by her grandmother, uses the standard ingredients but introduces a touch of sugar and butter for a richer flavor, plus a handful of raisins. The result? A slightly tangy, perfectly dense loaf with a golden, crisp crust that gives way to a moist and tender interior. The subtle sweetness from the raisins and sugar elevates the bread, while the butter ensures a delightful richness that complements the traditional tang.
Even better? It all comes together in about an hour flat. Could you ask for anything more?
How to Bake the Best Ever Irish Soda Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or Dutch oven with parchment paper. Sally suggests using a cast-iron skillet for an extra crispy bottom crust.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and an egg, then set aside.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut in your cubed, unsalted butter. Sally emphasizes that cold butter is essential, just as when making scones or pie crust. This creates a deliciously flaky texture. You can use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to break the butter into pea-sized bits coated in flour.
- Add Raisins: Next, incorporate the raisins into the flour mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead until it comes together and is no longer dry. This step ensures that all ingredients are well combined, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the loaf.
- Shape and Score: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking vessel and score an “X” on top with a sharp knife.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Cool: Let the bread rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Whether you slather it with butter, drizzle it with honey, or enjoy it plain, one thing’s for sure: it’ll make you wish you had an Irish grandma! Isn’t that the truth?
As one commenter on Sally’s blog perfectly put it, “It is the grandmas that are so often the inspiration for the kitchen! I hope our generation keeps that tradition going.” We couldn’t agree more.
Beyond the Loaf: Irish Soda Bread Scones!
Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop in New York City has been making waves, particularly for their Irish soda bread scones. Mary O’Halloran, the shop’s owner, reportedly sold over $1 million worth of her famous scones during the pandemic. While a trip to NYC might be on your list, why not try making these at home?
Enter Mandy, known as .jeanty on TikTok, who has shared an incredible recipe for Irish soda bread scones. Mandy notes that traditional Irish soda bread can sometimes be dry, but these scones emerge buttery and biscuit-like. Intrigued? You should be!
Mandy’s Marvelous Irish Soda Bread Scones Recipe
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 stick of melted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup dried currants
- 1 zested orange
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbs caraway seeds
- Egg wash
- Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda) in a large bowl.
- Add the currants, zested orange, and caraway seeds.
- Fold in the melted butter and buttermilk.
- Mix well until a dough forms.
- Grease a muffin tin, and using an ice cream scooper, place balls of dough into the cavities.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden brown.
- Let them cool.
Mandy suggests slicing them in the middle, adding a pat of Kerrygold butter and a spoonful of raspberry preserves. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?
What do you think? Will you be making Irish soda bread scones to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Three More Ways to Enjoy Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is known for being one of the easiest and quickest breads to bake. What better time to give it a try than on March 17th? Part of its appeal lies in the fact that it doesn’t need proving because the raising agent is bicarbonate of soda rather than yeast. Simply combine the ingredients, score the traditional cross on top, and bake for a deliciously crusty, cakey loaf.
Consider serving it with a chunk of Cashel Blue cheese and a glass of Guinness for the full Irish experience. If you’re feeling inspired, here are three more fabulous soda bread recipes to try:
1. Sweet Soda Bread Recipe
This recipe uses leftover soured milk for a delightful sweet treat. It is arguably one of the best options out there, and here’s why.
- Serves: 8
- Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus cooling
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 200g plain flour
- 200g plain wholemeal flour, plus extra to dust
- 2tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 75g butter, chilled and cubed
- 40g porridge oats
- 75g raisins or sultanas
- 75g pitted dates, finely chopped
- 250ml soured milk, plus extra to brush
- 3tbsp runny honey
- 1-2tbsp demerara sugar
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (gas mark 6) and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
- In a large bowl, mix the flours, bicarbonate of soda, and 1/2 tsp fine salt.
- Add the butter and rub in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the oats and dried fruit.
- In a jug, mix the soured milk and honey until combined. Add to the dry ingredients and stir to make a soft dough.
- Tip onto a lightly floured work surface and shape to a rough 17-18cm round. Transfer to the lined sheet.
- Using a knife or the handle of a wooden spoon, slice/press a deep cross into the top of the loaf. Brush the top with soured milk, then sprinkle over the demerara sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until slightly risen and deep golden.
- Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely before serving in slices.
2. Wholemeal Soda Bread Recipe
- Serves: 8
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 500g wholemeal seed and grain flour
- 1tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1tsp salt
- 25g butter
- 1 large egg
- 285ml carton buttermilk
- 2tbsp black treacle
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 210°C (gas mark 7).
- Shake wholemeal seed and grain flour into a bowl. Add bicarbonate of soda and salt. Rub in butter until it forms crumbs.
- Break the egg into a jug and mix together with buttermilk and black treacle. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix together.
- Dough should be softish, not too wet and sticky.
- Turn onto a floured board and knead it lightly to form a round. Put it onto a greased baking tray and cut a cross in the top. Sprinkle with a little wholemeal seed and grain flour.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked—tape the base, which should sound hollow.
3. Apple, Cider, Sage, and Cheddar Soda Bread Recipe
- Makes: 1 large loaf
- Preparation time: 25 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 20g butter
- 2 small tart dessert apples, cored and each one cut into 8 wedges
- 250g plain flour
- 10g bicarbonate of soda
- 1 bunch of fresh sage leaves, picked and chopped
- Leaves from 4-6 sprigs thyme
- 50g grated mature Cheddar
- 150ml cider
- 50ml natural yoghurt
- Instructions:
- Heat the oven to 220°C (gas mark 7). Melt the butter in a large heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat and, when bubbling, add the apple.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until softened and caramelised around the edges. Set aside to cool.
- Put a baking tray inside the oven to heat up. Put the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl with 1tsp salt.
- Add the apple, herbs, and cheese, then the cider and yoghurt. Bring the ingredients together gently into a wet dough. You won’t need to knead it; the less you work it, the better.
- With floured hands, form the dough into a round 20cm diameter and 10cm deep. Put on the hot baking tray and score deeply with the traditional cross.
- Scatter with the reserved cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes and serve straight from the oven.
A Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences and similarities between a traditional Irish Soda Bread and Mandy’s Irish Soda Bread Scones:
| Feature | Traditional Irish Soda Bread | Mandy’s Irish Soda Bread Scones |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Dense, slightly tangy | Buttery, biscuit-like |
| Shape | Loaf | Scones (baked in muffin tin) |
| Key Ingredients | Flour, baking soda, buttermilk, salt | Flour, sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, currants, orange zest, caraway seeds |
| Added Flavors | Optional: raisins, sugar, butter | Orange zest, caraway seeds, raspberry preserves |
| Serving Suggestions | Butter, honey, cheese, Guinness | Kerrygold butter, raspberry preserves |
Final Thoughts: Keep the Tradition Alive
Whether you stick to Sally’s traditional recipe, venture into scone territory with Mandy, or experiment with apples, cider, and cheese, Irish soda bread remains a versatile and comforting treat. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the enduring power of family recipes. So, what’s stopping you? Dust off your baking sheets and whip up a loaf (or a batch of scones!) to share with loved ones. After all, isn’t that what food is all about?
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Irish Soda Bread (or Scones!)
So, you’ve baked a beautiful loaf of Irish Soda Bread, or perhaps a batch of golden scones. The aroma is filling your kitchen, and your taste buds are tingling. But what to serve alongside this rustic delight? Let’s explore some perfect pairings that will elevate your Irish Soda Bread experience from simple to sublime.
Sweet Sensations: Jams, Jellies, and Honey
For a classic touch, nothing beats a generous dollop of creamy butter and a spoonful of your favorite jam. Raspberry preserves, as suggested by Mandy for her scones, offer a delightful tang that complements the bread’s subtle sweetness. Strawberry jam, with its bright and fruity notes, is another excellent choice. For a truly Irish experience, consider using Irish butter like Kerrygold – its rich flavor is unmatched. Alternatively, a drizzle of local honey can add a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of floral aroma.
Savory Companions: Cheese, Soups, and Stews
Irish Soda Bread isn’t just for sweet treats; it also shines alongside savory dishes. A chunk of sharp cheddar cheese, such as Cashel Blue, as mentioned earlier, is a classic pairing. The cheese’s bold flavor contrasts beautifully with the bread’s simplicity. But don’t stop there! Irish Soda Bread is also fantastic for dipping into hearty soups and stews. Imagine sopping up a creamy potato soup or a rich beef stew with a slice of this wholesome bread – pure comfort food!
A Taste of Ireland: Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving your Irish Soda Bread with smoked salmon and cream cheese. The smoky, salty salmon pairs perfectly with the tangy bread, while the cream cheese adds a smooth and luxurious texture. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Beverage Bliss: From Tea to Guinness
No Irish Soda Bread experience is complete without the perfect beverage. A cup of steaming hot tea is a classic choice, especially on a chilly day. But if you’re looking for something a little stronger, a pint of Guinness is the quintessential Irish pairing. The beer’s rich, malty flavor complements the bread’s rustic character. For a non-alcoholic option, try a glass of crisp apple cider, which echoes the apple in one of our recipes above.
Troubleshooting Your Irish Soda Bread: Common Issues and Solutions
Even with the simplest of recipes, baking can sometimes present challenges. Let’s address some common issues you might encounter when making Irish Soda Bread and offer solutions to ensure a perfect loaf every time.
Problem: Dry and Crumbly Bread
Cause: Too much flour or not enough buttermilk is the most common culprit.
Solution: Measure your flour accurately (using a kitchen scale is best). Gradually add the buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-kneading, as this can also lead to a dry texture.
Problem: Flat Bread (Didn’t Rise)
Cause: Expired baking soda or not enough of it.
Solution: Always check the expiration date of your baking soda. Use fresh baking soda and ensure you’re using the correct amount specified in the recipe. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and buttermilk is crucial for the bread to rise.
Problem: Hard Crust
Cause: Overbaking or baking at too high of a temperature.
Solution: Monitor the bread closely during baking. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. Reduce the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking time if necessary. Sally suggests a cast iron skillet for a crispy *bottom* crust; if the *top* crust is too hard, adjust baking time and oven temp.
Problem: Bread is Too Dense
Cause: Over-kneading or not enough buttermilk.
Solution: Knead the dough gently and only until it just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough. Ensure you’re using enough buttermilk to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Problem: Uneven Baking
Cause: Oven temperature inconsistencies.
Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately calibrated. Rotate the bread halfway through baking to promote even browning.
By addressing these common issues, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect Irish Soda Bread every time. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Soda Bread Scones
What makes Irish soda bread different from regular bread?
Irish soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast, resulting in a quicker and denser bread that doesn’t require kneading or rising time.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Irish soda bread recipes?
While you can experiment, sticking to the core ingredients (flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt) is crucial for traditional Irish soda bread. Adjustments to added flavors like raisins, sugar, or spices are possible.
How do I store Irish soda bread or scones?
Store Irish soda bread or scones in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for a few days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
What is the best way to serve Irish soda bread?
Irish soda bread is delicious served warm with butter, honey, cheese, or alongside a hearty stew. Scones are great with butter and jam.
Embrace the Tradition: Your Irish Soda Bread Adventure Awaits
From Sally’s classic loaf to Mandy’s delightful scones, the world of Irish soda bread offers something for every baker. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking journey that celebrates family traditions and the simple joys of homemade goodness. Happy baking!
