Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Experience the authentic taste of Ireland with this Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe, passed down through my family from my cousin Shawn Michael Halliwell at the beloved Boar's Head Pub in Tully, Ireland. Each morning, Shawn prepares this simple yet delightful bread, bringing together the rich heritage of Irish baking and the comfort of home. The result is a crusty exterior with a soft, warm interior, perfect for slathering with butter or enjoying alongside a hearty stew. Whether you're looking to indulge in a piece of Irish culture or simply want to bake something delicious, this soda bread is a delightful option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
4 cups (sifted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Buttermilk
14 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease and flour a round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the buttermilk. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until a sticky dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to prevent losing the gas that helps the bread rise.
4
On a floured surface, gently turn the dough out and knead just enough to bring it together—only about 5-6 times.
5
Shape the dough into a flat round loaf and place it into the prepared cake pan. With a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the dough, which helps it cook evenly and gives it that traditional look.
6
Cover the pan with another pan (this mimics a bastible pot) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the top pan and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8
To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If it sounds dense, give it more time.
9
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and cover it with a clean tea towel. Lightly sprinkle water on the towel to help keep the bread moist as it cools.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Irish Soda Bread?
Traditional Irish Soda Bread is an authentic quick bread known for its crusty exterior and soft, warm interior, often enjoyed with butter or stew.
Who is the source of this specific recipe?
The recipe was passed down by Shawn Michael Halliwell, who prepares it at the Boar's Head Pub in Tully, Ireland.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are only 4 ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of flour is used in Irish Soda Bread?
This recipe uses 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What role does baking soda play in the recipe?
Baking soda acts as the leavening agent, reacting with the buttermilk to help the bread rise without using yeast.
How much buttermilk is needed?
You will need 14 ounces of buttermilk.
How should the dry ingredients be prepared?
The flour, baking soda, and salt should be sifted together in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
What is the best way to mix the dough?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and mix using your hands or a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
Why shouldn't I over-mix the soda bread dough?
Avoiding over-mixing prevents the loss of gas that helps the bread rise, ensuring a lighter texture.
How much kneading does the dough require?
The dough only needs to be kneaded about 5 to 6 times, just enough to bring it together.
How is the bread shaped before baking?
Shape the dough into a flat round loaf.
Why is a cross cut into the top of the dough?
Cutting a deep cross helps the bread cook evenly and gives it its traditional Irish appearance.
What type of pan is recommended for baking?
A round cake pan that has been lightly greased and floured is recommended.
How do you mimic a traditional bastible pot during baking?
Cover the cake pan with another pan for the first 30 minutes of the baking process.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 45 minutes (30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered).
How can you tell if the soda bread is finished baking?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. If it sounds dense, it needs more time.
What should be done to keep the bread moist while cooling?
Cover the bread with a clean tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the towel.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the best way to serve Irish Soda Bread?
It is best served warm, slathered with butter or alongside a hearty stew.
Is Irish Soda Bread a type of quick bread?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick bread because it does not use yeast.
Can this bread be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, it is a delightful option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Where is Tully located?
Tully is located in Ireland.
What is the texture of the bread's exterior?
The exterior of the bread is crusty.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of standard salt.
How should the pan be prepared to prevent sticking?
The pan should be lightly greased and then floured.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe passed down through generations.
What color should the bread be when finished?
The bread should have a golden brown top.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the flour should be sifted.
Can I use a wooden spoon to mix the dough?
Yes, you can use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the sticky dough.