How to Make Chef John's Irish Soda Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

Irish soda bread is a classic and beloved staple in Irish cuisine, and for good reason. It's simple, versatile, and utterly delicious. And Chef John's Irish soda bread recipe takes this traditional bread to new heights with its perfect balance of flavors and texture. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply craving a hearty loaf of homemade bread, this recipe is sure to please.

One of the best things about Irish soda bread is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredi...

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Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 cup dried currants
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 2 loaves

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
  • Whisk all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
  • Beat buttermilk, egg, honey, and orange zest together in a bowl. Pour buttermilk mixture, currants, and raisins into flour mixture; stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, sticky dough comes together.
  • Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface; press dough together into a soft ball of dough and cut into 2 pieces. Form each half into a smooth, round loaf. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a 1/2-inch deep "X" into the top of each loaf with a serrated knife.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 45 minutes. Transfer loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  • Nutrition

    195 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 20mg
    • Sodium: 382mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 12g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 67mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 200mg