Cork County Irish Bread

Transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Ireland with this delightful Cork County Irish Bread, a rustic and hearty twist on traditional soda bread. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk, this easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. The cold, cubed butter lends a rich depth to the crumb, while optional additions of raisins or currants add a touch of sweetness to every bite. The signature "X" scored on top ensures a beautifully golden crust and an authentic presentation. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or served alongside your favorite Irish stew, this bread is a timeless classic for any occasion. Perfectly rustic, quick to prepare, and full of flavor, Cork County Irish Bread will become your go-to recipe for homemade comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1.75 cups Buttermilk
• 1 Egg
• 0.5 cup Raisins or currants (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Step 3

Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using raisins or currants, stir them into the dry mixture at this stage.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until well combined.

Step 6

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and egg mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a few times to bring it together into a round shape. Do not overwork the dough.

Step 8

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten the top slightly. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep 'X' into the top of the dough, about 1/2 inch deep. This allows the bread to expand while baking.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with butter or jam for an authentic Irish experience!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1129.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2843.2

Total Fat 72.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.6g
Cholesterol 367.0mg	0%
Sodium 4188.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 474.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 105.0g
Protein 71.7g	0%

Vitamin D 298.0IU	0%
Calcium 631.3mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 1786.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.9%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 67.0%