Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread that takes just minutes to prepare - no yeast, no complicated kneading, and absolutely no waiting for hours of rising! This Breakfast Irish Soda Bread is your ticket to an effortless, mouth-watering morning meal that will transform your breakfast routine from boring to extraordinary. With its rustic charm and incredibly simple preparation, this traditional Irish recipe promises to become your new go-to breakfast favorite that will have your family and friends begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your oven is hot enough to create a nice crust on the soda bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
- If you are using raisins and brown sugar, add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the dry mixture. Stir gently to distribute the raisins and sugar evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually mix the flour into the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes until it comes together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf about
- 5 inches thick. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking and gives it a traditional look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F (88°C).
- Once baked, remove the soda bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to cut.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads. Enjoy your homemade Breakfast Irish Soda Bread!
Tips
- Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and texture - it's crucial for achieving that signature tender crumb.
- Don't overwork the dough! Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender.
- Make sure your baking soda is fresh, as it's the primary leavening agent in this recipe.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can create a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- The deep cross-scoring isn't just traditional - it helps the bread bake evenly and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to allow the interior to set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 2mg
