Festive Saint Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread 🍞☘️

This traditional Irish Soda Bread is a delightful and rustic loaf that's both easy to make and full of flavor! Perfect for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, it pairs wonderfully with butter and jam or alongside a hearty stew. With its slightly sweet undertones and a crisp crust, this bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for a citrusy twist)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended.

🥄 Make sure to use fresh baking soda for the best rising results. Expired soda won't give the bread the lift it needs!

• Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• If using, fold in the raisins or currants and orange zest to add extra flavor.

• Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.

🍞 Avoid over-kneading the dough; a gentle touch will yield a tender bread!

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf about 1.5 inches thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

• Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross into the top of the dough (about 1/2 inch deep). This helps the bread to bake evenly and gives it that classic soda bread appearance.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

🔥 Keep an eye on the bread, as ovens vary. You can tent it with foil if it's browning too quickly.

• Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

• Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
• Cheesy: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Irish cheese) for a cheesy soda bread that pairs well with soups and stews.
• Nutty: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Adjust the liquid as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

Serve this delicious Irish Soda Bread warm with a pat of butter or alongside a bowl of Irish stew for the ultimate Saint Patrick's Day treat! 🌈🍀