A simple to make, fool-proof bread recipe that is the perfect (and necessary) accompaniment for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
Almost every year I have made a homemade St. Patrick’s Day dinner. For me the highlight of this meal is my grandma’s Irish soda bread. It’s hearty, yet tender, and has this really great flavor from a dough so simple. It’s one of those dishes that makes the holiday meal feel complete. So, with St. Patrick’s Day four days away, it is time to share it again.
The original post from March 2009
I have some Irish ancestry, thanks to my grandma. However, I only cook Irish foods one day a year, St. Patrick’s Day. When I make that dinner, though, everything is homemade. I serve corned beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage with malt vinegar on the side. Of course, Irish Soda Bread is part of the menu.
The recipe that I use is my grandma’s. The only difference is that I don’t add raisins. The appearance of dried fruit in the bread would make it unappealing to many of my family members. Also, according to family history, Grandma and her sister differed in how to make Irish Soda Bread. Grandma never added caraway seeds, which works for my family also, but her sister did. Apparently, it was a longtime family rivalry.
A note on making this recipe
I always bake it on the afternoon of our St. Pat’s dinner, so that it is still warm when dinner is served. If you don’t work from home, that can be tricky. This bread tastes just as fine when cooled, but if you’re able to bake it so that it’s served warm, it will be worth it.
Topped with some butter, it is a once a year treat. I guess I could make it more frequently, but having it only once a year makes it even more appreciated. As the last slice of this year’s loaf was eaten today, it will be another 51 weeks before we enjoy it again.
If you want an easy side dish to go with this Irish dinner, be sure to try Crockpot Cabbage and Apples.
Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350.
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Grease 2 quart round baking dish.
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Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
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In a small bowl, combine butter, eggs, and milk.
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Add liquid ingredients to flour mixture, and mix well.
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Place dough in greased baking dish, and place in oven.
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Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the comes out clean.
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