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Perfect Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Easy Melted Herb Butter Spread

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe with a tender crumb and crackly crust, served warm with a flavorful melted herb butter spread made from fresh parsley, thyme, and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk, well shaken (or 1 ¾ cups milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position your rack in the middle.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  3. Pour in 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. It will be sticky but should hold together. If too dry, add a splash more buttermilk.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a round about 8 inches (20cm) across and 2 inches (5cm) thick. Don’t knead too much.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep “X” across the top of the dough.
  6. Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet or a preheated cast iron skillet.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. Tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.
  8. While the bread bakes, melt 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
  10. Slice the bread and generously brush or drizzle with the melted herb butter. Serve warm.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bread tender and crumbly. Check the bread at 25 minutes if your oven runs hot to prevent excessive browning. Use fresh herbs for the butter for best flavor. The herb butter can be made a day ahead and warmed before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread recipe, quick bread, herb butter, easy bread, homemade bread, no yeast bread

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-irish-soda-bread-recipe-with-easy-melted-herb-butter-spread/