My dad’s side of the family is 100% Irish, so I grew up with a lot of traditional Irish (or, more specifically, Irish-American) foods. A dinner of ham, cabbage, and potatoes was a monthly occurrence, not just saved for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. And I was shocked to learn that not everyone knew the delights of Irish Potato candy. Even more controversial to me: Not everyone likes Irish soda bread. I love the stuff and I am here to sing its praises.
Caveat: My experience is with the Irish-American version of soda bread which, I imagine, can be quite different from the traditional Irish versions. If an Irish citizen has stumbled upon this article and feels I have misrepresented their delicious bread, please allow me some grace.
What is soda bread?
Soda bread is a type of quick bread, meaning that it doesn’t use yeast as a leavening agent. Instead, it uses a combination of baking soda and buttermilk. The lactic acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that make the bread rise. One of the benefits of a bread like this is that the chemical reaction starts immediately, meaning it requires very little time to knead or proof.
The soda bread of today is most commonly associated with Ireland. Prior to the 19th century, the country didn’t have access to the kind of wheat that interacts well with yeast, meaning that many of their breads were flatbreads. In 1801, sodium bicarbonate—baking soda—was developed and it soon became commercially available. This, quite literally, upped the Irish bread game.
Why is it called soda bread?
Soda bread is called soda bread because of the baking soda in the bread.
What does Irish soda bread taste like?
Not all Irish soda breads are made the same way. The loaf itself is a little more dense than yeasted bread, with a hard, crusty interior and soft center. In many ways it resembles a scone, another example of a baked good that doesn’t use yeast. It has a similar flavor to a scone, thanks to the baking soda.
Though it can be made plain, soda bread’s flavor is usually defined by what is added to it. Caraway seeds are a very common soda bread ingredient. They pack a pretty powerful punch of spicy anise flavor and aroma that may turn some people off. But that is usually balanced with the second most common ingredient: raisins. This is the general baseline for most loaves.
Is Irish soda bread sweet?
There are savory and sweet versions of soda bread that veer from tradition. For the former, herbs, cheese, garlic, and even bacon can be added. For the latter, a healthy sprinkle of coarse decorator sugar on the top makes the bread feel almost like dessert (this is a personal favorite of mine).
How do you eat Irish soda bread?
The simple pleasure of a hunk of Irish soda bread smeared with butter (really good butter like Irish butter) is something that gives me so much joy, bringing back memories of family dinners at my grandparents’ home. To me, that is the purest way to enjoy it.
It can also be used as a replacement for scones, muffins, or bagels, topped with marmalade, apple butter, or clotted cream. Savory versions of the bread are excellent when dipped into soups or stews.
FAQs
Soda bread is a type of quick bread, meaning that it doesn't use yeast as a leavening agent. Instead, it uses a combination of baking soda and buttermilk. The lactic acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that make the bread rise.
How does soda bread work? ›
Those loaves featured Irish wheat and buttermilk—either the by-product of butter making, or in the days before refrigeration, sour milk that needed to be used up. The lactic acid in the buttermilk reacts with the alkali baking soda to create carbon dioxide, which in turn causes the bread to rise.
What went wrong with my soda bread? ›
If you've ever tried Irish soda bread and not liked it, don't go running off yet! Chances are good that the bread you ate suffered from one of three common problems: improper amount of baking soda (a gross, salty-bitter taste), over cooking (a dry, chalky texture), or undercooking (a soggy, doughy center).
How healthy is soda bread? ›
Nutrition Notes
Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.
What is a fun fact about soda bread? ›
While soda bread is most famously attributed to Ireland, it was actually first created by Native Americans. They were the first to be documented using pearl ash, a natural form of soda formed from the ashes of wood, to leaven their bread without yeast. The Irish later discovered and replicated the process.
Why does soda bread exist? ›
Irish soda bread was first created in the 1830s, when baking soda was first introduced to the UK. At the time, Ireland was facing financial hardship and lack of resources, so they turned to soda bread out of neccessity, it was inexpensive and required few ingredients.
What does bread soda do? ›
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, is a popular baking ingredient. It gives foods like bread, cakes, muffins, and cookies a light, fluffy texture.
Can soda bread go bad? ›
Tightly wrap your leftover bread and place it in an airtight container. There's no need to refrigerate. As for how long soda bread lasts: Irish soda bread tends to dry out faster than other breads. The bread will be good for 3-4 days or up to three months if frozen.
Can you eat soda bread without toasting? ›
Although soda bread is ideal for serving at room temperature, it is better to serve it warm. The thick and cakey texture of the bread and warm temperature brings out its hearty flavors. If you can't have it fresh from the over at least have it toasted.
Why is my soda bread green? ›
The chlorophyll in the sunflower seeds will react with the baking soda in the bread to create little green flecks throughout. As the loaf sits, the green will become even more prominent. This reaction is completely harmless and I think, it's just really fun!
Both types of bread use flour and contain refined carbohydrates. Sourdough bread would be considered healthier in the fact that it is a fermented food with lower gluten levels, making it easier to digest.
Is soda bread good for your gut and stomach? ›
Soda bread is quick to prepare and is a low-fat, yeast-free option. It may help alleviate symptoms of bloating and discomfort. If you're new to baking or short on time, our seeded soda bread is an ideal loaf to bake at home.
Is Irish soda bread good for your heart? ›
Yes! Between its straightforward recipe, short preparation and cooking time, and delicious taste, this is at the top of my list of bread to make! From traditional to added dried fruits, nuts and seeds, cheeses, and herbs, you can make your healthy Irish Soda Bread filled with heart healthy nutrients!
Why do you put a cross in Irish soda bread? ›
I was always told that the cross on the top of Irish Soda Bread was to symbolize the Catholic faith of Ireland, and the Gaelic Cross. Some say it kept the Devil out, but that is what a cross is supposed to do also. Turns out that is true but more importantly, it helps in the baking of the bread.
What country eats soda bread? ›
Soda bread's association with Ireland arose after the devastation of the country's potato crop in the 1840s, which forced a people historically ambivalent toward bread to start baking en masse.
Why is soda bread so tasty? ›
In many ways it resembles a scone, another example of a baked good that doesn't use yeast. It has a similar flavor to a scone, thanks to the baking soda. Though it can be made plain, soda bread's flavor is usually defined by what is added to it. Caraway seeds are a very common soda bread ingredient.
How does bread soda work as a raising agent? ›
Bicarbonate of soda gives off carbon dioxide, which expands in a mixture. Once the mixture is cooked, the carbon dioxide is replaced by air, leaving a light cake or bread. As with all raising agents, use the amount specified in the recipe.
Do you leave soda bread to rise? ›
You don't have to wait hours or overnight for a rise, either. In fact, you don't even need to wait at all: Dough for Irish soda bread can go right into the oven after making. Given the short time to mix ingredients, you can have a warm loaf on the table in under an hour.
Why do you put baking soda in soda bread? ›
Soda bread is a variety of quick bread made in many cuisines in which sodium bicarbonate (otherwise known as "baking soda", or in Ireland, "bread soda") is used as a leavening agent instead of yeast. The basic ingredients of soda bread are flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
Do you eat soda bread warm or cold? ›
Although soda bread is ideal for serving at room temperature, it is better to serve it warm. The thick and cakey texture of the bread and warm temperature brings out its hearty flavors. If you can't have it fresh from the over at least have it toasted.
