Irish Soda Bread in a Cast Iron Skillet

Experience a taste of traditional Irish baking with this rustic Irish Soda Bread made effortlessly in a cast iron skillet. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, this no-yeast bread comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. The hearty dough is enriched with buttermilk and a hint of sweetness from optional raisins or currants, creating the ideal balance of savory and sweet. Baking it in a cast iron skillet ensures a beautifully crisp crust while maintaining even heat for a perfectly cooked center. Whether served warm with butter or paired with a hearty stew, this classic recipe is as versatile as it is delightful. Perfect for a cozy St. Patrick’s Day celebration or a comforting addition to any meal, this Irish Soda Bread is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup raisins or currants (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using, stir in the raisins or currants for a sweet, fruity touch.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and lightly beaten egg until smooth.

Step 6

Gradually pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently about 5-6 times, just enough to bring it together into a round loaf.

Step 8

Place the dough into the prepared cast iron skillet. Use a sharp knife to score a deep 'X' into the top of the loaf, allowing it to bake evenly.

Step 9

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1214.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3067.8

Total Fat 70.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 357.0mg	0%
Sodium 4610.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 538.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 163.5g
Protein 74.1g	0%

Vitamin D 291.0IU	0%
Calcium 676.3mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 2412.0mg	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: 20.6%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 69.8%