Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Herbed Irish Soda Bread


I just love Irish soda bread. There's nothing like it when it comes straight out of the oven all crusty on the outside and warm and tender on the inside. It always makes for a delicious breakfast.

Lately, however, I've been playing around with different versions of the recipe. I've used cinnamon, blueberries, and even pumpkin. But, this time, I wanted a savory bread. So, after a little experimentation, this is what I came up with - an Herbed Irish Soda Bread. To get the flavor I wanted, I used some no-salt all-purpose seasoning (ex: Mrs. Dash). I also added some red pepper flakes for a little heat.

The resulting bread was fantastic. It was almost like eating an herbed biscuit and would probably go great with a bowl of soup. I will definitely make this again and again.


Herbed Irish Soda Bread
(created by Lisa of Sweet as Sugar Cookies)

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (or half all-purpose and half bread flour)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 tsp. no-salt herb seasoning (ex: Mrs. Dash)
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (or less if you don't want it too spicy)
1 1/4 c. buttermilk (or milk + 1 Tbsp. vinegar)

Preheat the oven to 500F.

Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the milk gradually and mix until a nice dough has formed. Turn it out onto a lightly floured baking sheet and form into a round loaf. Using a knife, cut an "x" in the top.

Bake at 500F for 5 min. After the 5 min. are up, immediately lower the heat to 375F and continue baking for 20-25 min. more.

29 comments:

  1. I love soda bread and the herb additions sound great.

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  2. I have never eaten Irish Soda bread but have seen it lately on a few blogs. I am lovin your herb version!! Sounds great!

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  3. I'm sure it's really tasty. I might try adding herbs and chilli flakes to my basic bread recipe to see how it turns out.

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  4. oooh! I love this bread - It has been baked to perfection :)

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  5. Lisa, what a great idea. This could be tailored to go with almost anything.

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  6. I've never had a savory Irish soda bread! My mom makes one with a hint of orange that is fantastic, but now I think I have a craving for something savory! Looks delicous!

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  7. Nossa Lisa, que lindo que ficou o teu pão! Parabéns!

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  8. I would love this. I bet the smell of this baking was incredible. Yummy!

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  9. Lisa, I cannot wait to try this. It looks wonderful and tasty!

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  10. I have never made soda bread. Now you got me craving it!! Thanks for a great recipe.

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  11. yum! I havent braved bread yet... Looks delicious!

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  12. I love Irish Soda Bread, too! Yours looks gorgeous!

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  13. There seems to be a trend lately that lots of bloggers love to bake Irish soda bread. Maybe it's due to St Patrick's day. Your bread looks very professional made.

    Lisa, it has been a honor for me to be a follower of your blog and I would love to present several awards to you for all your fantastic cooking skills.

    The awards are at this link, http://bakeforhappykids.blogspot.com/2011/03/brown-sugar-mini-muffins-and-awards.html

    Cheers.

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  14. Yumm. i love warm herbed bread. And ur irish soda bread looks so wonderful. I love the crossed slashes right smack in the middle of it.

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  15. I love Irish Soda Bread! I am intrigued that you made a savory one. It sounds delicious:)

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  16. I love making bread and this looks like a great recipe!

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  17. I have not tried this bread before, yours certainly looks delicious, I love the rustic look of the crust:)

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  18. I have the ingredients and the time so I am making it THIS morning.:)
    Thanks for the recipe.
    xo bj

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  19. I have not eaten Irish Soda Bread before, after seeing so many of our foodie blogger friends posted about it, I have given it a second glance! I used to think that this bread is dry and bland in taste, not anymore, now am curious to give this a try!

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  20. What a beautiful loaf of bread. I like the savory flavors!

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  21. I love your savory variation! How delish this must be...especially warm from the oven with a pat of cold butter~

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  22. The first time I baked soda bread, it was awful. The second time it was significantly better and pretty yum, but knowing it was homemade made it taste THAT much more yummy. I love how you've added herbs to yours!

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  23. Hey,

    Amazing bread my dear...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  24. Hey,

    Awesome looking bread dear...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  25. What a great idea Lisa. Sounds so yummy. Could really use a hunk right now to go with my mushroom soup. Have a great weekend!

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  26. I've never had this bread before! I am going to have to make it this weekend:)

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  27. Thank you for inviting me over to link up my Lemon Pound Cake! So many goodies to try!!!

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  28. As I've posted - I LOVE Irish soda bread and how easy and fast it is to get a loaf in the oven. The variations - as with loaf breads are endless!

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