Irish Soda Bread

You don't need to be a skilled baker to make Irish soda bread—heck, you don't even need to be Irish! All it takes is a few pantry ingredients and a good cast-iron skillet to make this traditional baked good. That's right, there's no yeast required and no waiting for the dough to rise! Come spring, it's a traditional Irish food for any St. Patrick's Day celebration, but this raisin- and cranberry-studded loaf makes a delicious addition to bread baskets any time of year. No matter when you bake it, follow Ree Drummond's advice on how to best enjoy Irish soda bread: Slathered in lots of butter and jam! 

Is Irish soda bread really Irish? 

You may be surprised to learn that the first people to make soda bread weren't so Irish after all! Thank the Native Americans: they used a natural form of soda to help make the bread rise without the use of yeast. It wasn't until baking soda became readily available in the mid 1800s that the Irish began baking it. That's not to say that it didn't become a popular recipe for many Irish families. The humble bread quickly became a household staple that's still today baked for St. Patrick's Day.

What does Irish soda bread taste like?

Soda bread has a mild flavor that's similar to a biscuit, thanks to its signature tang from buttermilk. In Ireland, Irish soda bread recipes are often made with currants rather than raisins (some Irish Americans call it "currant bread"), but currants aren't always easy to find, so this recipe calls for a duo of golden raisins and dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.  

Do you have to bake Irish soda bread in a cast-iron skillet?

A cast-iron skillet helps produce a crisp crust on a loaf of Irish soda bread. "Cast iron gets screaming hot," says Ree, "so it's perfect for giving biscuits, rolls, and other breads a beautiful crust." But if you don't have a cast-iron skillet, don't worry—you can also bake this bread on a baking sheet or in a baking pan.

Can I swap regular milk for the buttermilk?

In this recipe, the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the loaf rise and obtain its signature texture. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, use a buttermilk substitute like adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of whole milk.   

What's the best way to store Irish soda bread?

Soda bread can dry out quickly, so be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Its freshness will last about two days at room temperature, but if you have more than you're able to enjoy at the moment, pop it in the freezer where it'll stay nice and fresh for a few more months. Next time you make a big pot of stew, thaw it for the perfect dipper!

How do you eat Irish soda bread?

Soda bread is best served warm, fresh from the oven, or sliced and toasted the next day. Enjoy it for breakfast with plenty of butter and your favorite fruit preserves or serve it for lunch alongside a hearty soup recipe—it's perfect for dunking! For a festive St. Patrick's Day meal, use it to sandwich corned beef and cheese for an epic grilled cheese, or add it to your Irish-inspired St. Patrick's Day desserts.