Easy Garlic Soda Bread – A Delicious Irish Bread Recipe
You don’t need yeast or hours of waiting to enjoy freshly baked bread! This garlic soda bread with parmesan is a quick and delicious Irish bread that’s ready in under an hour. With a crispy crust, soft crumb, and rich, savoury flavour, it’s perfect for serving with soups, stews, or simply slathered in butter.
Save This Recipe
Pin
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
- 125 g Plain White Flour
- 125 g Plain Wholemeal Flour
- 0.5 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- 0.25 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 30 g Butter, room temperature
- 200 ml Buttermilk
- 40 g Roasted Garlic, approximately 1 head of garlic
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 50 g Finely Grated Parmesan, Plus optional extra to sprinkle on top.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Preheating the oven ensures the best rise for the bread.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the plain white flour and plain wholemeal flour. No need to sift.
- Add the fine sea salt and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and mix well.
- Cut the room temperature butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour mixture using your hands or a mixer until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the dough. Also, add the finely grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavourings.
- Crush the roasted garlic into a paste using a pestle and mortar.
- Add the buttermilk and crushed garlic to the dough. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The dough will be sticky, which is normal for soda bread. Do not knead the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball using floured hands.
- Place the dough ball on a lined and floured baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross on the top, cutting about two-thirds of the way through. Grease the knife slightly if it gets stuck.
- Once your dough is ready, flour your hands and shape it into a ball. Place the dough on a baking tray with some non stick baking paper that has a sprinkling of flour.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross about two thirds of the way through and dust with flour and extra cheese if you like the bread to have a stronger cheese flavour. The cuts in the dough help it to cook through.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. This may take a little longer than specified so, to check if it's done, lightly tap the bottom of the loaf with your fingers - it should sound hollow.
- Allow the loaf to cool slightly before serving.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Cut a Cross for Even Baking: Score the top of the dough with a cross to ensure even baking and avoid a doughy centre.
- Explore Flavour Variations: Get creative with herbs, spices, or cheeses to add a unique twist to your soda bread.
- Use Fresh Baking Soda: Ensure optimal rise by using fresh baking soda within 6 months of opening.
- Make Your Own Buttermilk: Create your own buttermilk if you don't have any on hand.
- Handle the Dough with Care: Avoid overmixing and handle the dough gently to prevent a dense texture.
- Preheat the Oven Properly: Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 180C (350F) for optimal baking results.
- Allow for Proper Cooling: Let the loaf cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavours and texture.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 460mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3mg