Irish Bread
Celebrate the timeless charm of traditional **Irish Bread**, a rustic and easy-to-make favorite that brings the flavors of the Emerald Isle straight to your kitchen. This no-yeast bread recipe features a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. The secret lies in the cold unsalted butter, which adds flakiness, and optional raisins for a touch of natural sweetness. Ready in just an hour, this hearty loaf comes together with minimal kneading and boasts a signature scored cross, symbolizing tradition and ensuring even baking. Perfect for serving warm with butter or jam, or as a comforting accompaniment to soups and stews, this classic soda bread is a must-try for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. Keywords: Irish Bread, soda bread, traditional Irish recipe, easy homemade bread, no-yeast bread, rustic bread recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1.75 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
- 0.5 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
If you're using raisins, fold them into the mixture at this stage.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 4-5 times, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. Avoid overworking the dough, as it can lead to a tough bread.
Shape the dough into a round loaf about 1.5 inches thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly and traditionally symbolizes a blessing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2726 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.3 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.2 g | 191% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 171 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 4105 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 467.7 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 85.2 g | ||
| Protein | 66.4 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.2 mcg | 31% | |
| Calcium | 622 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 24.0 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 1743 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
