Grandmas Irish Bread🍞

A Family Recipe with Irish Roots ☘️

This irish bread recipe was recently given to me by my sister—it’s a cherished family recipe passed down from our grandmother, who came from Ireland. As a child, I can still remember my mom baking this irish bread and serving it to me warm, slathered with butter. While I’ve made a few tweaks from the original, the heart of the recipe remains the same. I hope you enjoy this special bread as much as my family has over the years!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp baking soda

  • 2 tbsp kosher or sea salt

  • 1 cup raisins (optional but adds authenticity)

  • 1 tbsp toasted caraway seeds (optional for a unique flavor)

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2 cups milk (for a tangy twist, substitute buttermilk)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Skillet

  • Grease and flour a 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet and tap out any excess flour.

  • For convenience, use a non-stick spray with flour mixed in (a great hack!).

3. Mix the Ingredients

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all ingredients.

  • Mix on low speed until just blended. Do not overmix!

4. Knead the Dough

  • Remove the dough from the mixer and knead it gently about 5 to 6 times.

5. Shape the Dough

  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in the skillet.

  • Press down gently until it’s about 1 inch thick.

  • Score an X on top with a sharp knife.

6. Bake

  • Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

7. Finish with Flair

  • Brush the top with melted butter for an irresistible sheen.

  • Serve warm and enjoy!

This Irish soda bread is perfect for breakfast, alongside a hearty meal, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea. 🍞☕

Irish Bread
Irish Bread