• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Everyday Homemade

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Spring
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Ă—

    Home » Recipes » Holidays

    Published: Feb 21, 2023 · Modified: Mar 7, 2023 by Ashley Petrie · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Easy Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Sourdough Irish Soda Bread is the perfect side dish for your St. Patrick's Day feast. It's easy to make, requires no special equipment, is only needs 8 simple ingredients. With its crunchy exterior, soft interior, and unique flavor, you'll love this tasty sourdough discard recipe.

    A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Irish soda bread is a simple bread traditionally made with just 4 ingredients - soft wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. It has a distinctive crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

    Today, there are many variations of Irish soda bread that include additional ingredients such as butter, eggs, sugar, and raisins. For this recipe, I added sourdough starter discard to give the bread a hint of sour flavor.

    If you're a sourdough baker like me, you're always looking for ways to use up your sourdough starter discard. Adding sourdough discard to traditional Irish soda bread is a great way to reduce food waste, while also enhancing the flavor and texture of the bread.

    So, whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day this March or just looking for a new sourdough discard recipe to try, this sourdough Irish soda bread is sure to become a family favorite.

    Some links throughout this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re willing to use them, it helps fund this site and allows me to continue to provide content. I appreciate your support!

    Table of Contents -
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    Ingredient Notes
    Step by Step Instructions
    Tips for Success
    Substitutions and Variations
    Substitutions
    Variations
    What to Serve with Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    How to Use Leftover Irish Soda Bread
    Storage and Reheating
    How to Store
    How to Reheat
    Make Ahead
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Let's Connect!
    More Sourdough Recipes
    Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    Equipment
    Ingredients
    Instructions
    Notes
    Nutrition

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Uses Sourdough Discard- If you do any amount of sourdough baking, you know how wonderful sourdough discard recipes are. Sourdough Irish bread is a fun and unique way to use sourdough discard.
    • No Special Equipment- The dough is easy to mix by hand without any special equipment.
    • Only 8 Ingredients- Sourdough Irish soda bread is a very simple sourdough quick bread that only requires 8 ingredients, many of which are pantry staples.
    • Crusty Exterior, Soft Interior- This Irish soda bread made with sourdough starter is the perfect blend of crusty exterior and soft, tender interior.
    • Perfect for St. Patrick's Day- I love making this sourdough Irish soda bread on St. Patrick's Day. It pairs perfectly with this Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

    • All-Purpose Flour- Measure by weight in grams for best results.
    • Sugar- While not considered sweet bread, a touch of sugar helps balance the flavors.
    • Baking Soda- How Irish soda bread got its name. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent in the bread.
    • Salt- Enhances and balances flavor.
    • Butter- Use cold butter. In this recipe, we cut the butter into the flour to give it a tender crumb.
    • Egg- Helps bind the dough together and adds stability as it rises in the oven.
    • Buttermilk- An acidic ingredient that reacts with baking soda to produce gases that help the bread rise. Buttermilk also provides a slightly tangy flavor.
    • Sourdough Discard- Adds flavor and moisture. Since it's not acting as a leavening agent here, you can use inactive or unfed sourdough starter discard.
    The ingredients to make sourdough Irish soda bread on a butcher block countertop. Each ingredient is labeled with text. They include all-purpose flour, butter, egg, baking soda, salt, sugar, sourdough discard, and buttermilk.

    Step by Step Instructions

    Here is how to make homemade sourdough Irish soda bread.

    Step 1: Combine dry ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

    The dry ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Cut in butter. Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Pinch the butter between your fingertips, combining it with the dry ingredients, until the mixture holds together lightly when squeezed.

    A crumbly mixture of flour, salt, baking soda, sugar, and butter.
    A hand pressing together a mixture of butter and flour.
    The dry ingredient-butter mixture should lightly stick together when pressed.

    Step 3: Mix together wet ingredients. Whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and sourdough starter in a separate small mixing bowl until well combined.

    The wet ingredients in a glass mixing bowl with a whisk sticking out to the left.

    Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until most of the flour is moistened. Then, use your hands to lightly knead the mixture until a shaggy, sticky dough forms, taking care not to overwork it. The dough should be cohesive, but it will be pretty sticky. Don't panic, this is what we want.

    Sourdough Irish soda bread batter in a glass mixing bowl.
    A shaggy, sticky sourdough Irish soda bread dough.

    Step 5: Score and bake. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a shaggy, rounded loaf. Use a knife to score the top of the dough. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

    Sourdough Irish soda bread dough scored on a sheet of parchment paper.
    A baked loaf of Sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Tips for Success

    • Substitute the buttermilk. Swap buttermilk for 1 ÂĽ cups of milk mixed with 4 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, use Âľ cup of plain Greek yogurt thinned with ½ cup of milk or water.
    • Don't overwork the dough. Once the dough comes together into a shaggy, sticky, cohesive dough, you're done mixing. Over-mixing results in tough, chewy bread, which is not what we're looking for from this recipe.
    • Add mix-ins. Raisins and dried currants are popular Irish soda bread mix-ins. A few tablespoons of caraway seeds also make for a delicious loaf.
    • Score the top. Scoring the top of the dough isn't just for looks. It helps the dough rise evenly and bake properly in the oven.
    • Use a skewer to check for doneness. I use a long bamboo skewer to check the center of the dough for doneness as a toothpick is typically too short. Other indicators include a deep, golden brown crust and a hollow sound when knocking on the bottom of the loaf.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Here are a few ways you can try customizing this sourdough discard Irish soda bread recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

    Substitutions

    • All-Purpose Flour- Replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or rye flour. For gluten-free Irish soda bread, use all-purpose gluten-free flour.
    • Sugar- Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar or honey if preferred.
    • Butter- Use dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter.
    • Egg- Replace the egg with a "flax egg" by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water.
    • Buttermilk- Swap buttermilk for 1 ÂĽ cups of regular milk mixed with 4 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, use Âľ cup of plain yogurt thinned with ½ cup of milk or water.
    • Sourdough Discard- Use either active sourdough starter or inactive sourdough starter in this recipe. If you don't have a sourdough starter, leave it out entirely and add an extra ÂĽ to ½ cup of buttermilk.
    Slices of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Variations

    • Gluten-Free- Swap regular flour for gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Also, make sure the sourdough starter that you're using is gluten-free as well.
    • Dried Fruit- Raisins or currants are often added to Irish soda bread for a little extra sweetness. Add up to 1 cup of dried fruit.
    • Nuts and Seeds- Caraway seeds are a common Irish soda bread mix-in. Alternatively, add chopped walnuts or pecans, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. Add up to 2 tablespoons of nuts and seeds.
    • Herbs- Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can add a subtle, earthy flavor to the bread.
    • Cheddar Cheese- Shredded cheddar cheese adds a savory, cheesy flavor.
    • Spices- Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give your sourdough soda bread a cozy, comforting flavor that is perfect for fall and winter.

    What to Serve with Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

    Commonly, Irish soda bread is served with Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Patrick's Day or alongside Corned Beef Hash the morning after. But, it also pairs well with many other dishes. In particular, Irish soda bread pairs beautifully with rich and hearty comfort food meals like this Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie, this Braised Beef with Mushroom Gravy or this Dutch Oven Chili.

    I also recommend smearing a warm piece of this sourdough Irish soda bread with some butter. And a drizzle of honey or some jam never hurts either.

    Here are a few other ideas for what to serve with Irish soda bread:

    • Roasted Vegetables
    • Soups and Stews
    • Salads
    • Braised or Roasted Meats
    • Cheese and Charcuterie
    • Bacon and Eggs
    A small piece of Sourdough Irish soda bread on a dinner plate with corned beef and cabbage.

    How to Use Leftover Irish Soda Bread

    Irish soda bread is a hearty, versatile, and relatively plain bread that can be repurposed in a variety of different ways. Here are a few ideas for using up leftover Irish soda bread:

    • Breadcrumbs
    • Croutons
    • Stuffing
    • Bruschetta
    • Bread Pudding
    • French Toast or French Toast Casserole
    • Grilled Cheese
    • Breakfast Sandwiches

    Storage and Reheating

    How to Store

    • Room Temperature- Store leftover sourdough Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
    • Freezer- For longer storage, you can freeze Irish soda bread quite easily. I recommend cutting it into slices before freezing for easier defrosting. Sourdough Irish soda bread will maintain optimum quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Quick Tip: Do not store Irish soda bread in the refrigerator. The cold, dry air of the refrigerator quickly turns bread stale. For best results, store leftover sourdough Irish soda bread in the freezer.

    How to Reheat

    • Oven- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap slices of leftover Irish soda bread in aluminum foil and warm for 10-15 minutes in the oven.
    • Toaster- Use a toaster to crisp up and warm leftover Irish soda bread. I recommend using a setting on the lighter side, but feel free to toast it to your desired doneness.
    • Stovetop- Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Place a slice of Irish soda bread in the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side.
    • Microwave- Wrap a slice of sourdough Irish soda bread in a damp paper towel. Heat on HIGH in 15-second intervals until warmed through.
    • Air Fryer- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place slices of Irish soda bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat for 2-3 minutes.

    Make Ahead

    This sourdough Irish soda bread can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it inside an airtight container and store it at room temperature.

    If desired, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

    Sliced Sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is special about Irish soda bread?

    Traditional soda bread is an easy-to-make quick bread made only with flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. It has a uniquely dense and crumbly texture from the reaction of baking soda and buttermilk

    Is Irish soda bread the same as sourdough bread?

    No, Irish soda bread and sourdough bread are not the same. Sourdough bread is made with wild yeast as the primary leavening agent. On the other hand, Irish soda bread is a quick bread that is leavened with baking soda.

    While this sourdough Irish soda bread recipe contains sourdough starter discard, the sourdough starter is not acting as a leavening agent. Instead, it provides moisture and flavor.

    Is Irish soda bread good for you?

    Irish soda bread is often made with refined flour. So, like any refined flour product, it's best to eat it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you want to add a little more nutrition to your Irish soda bread, replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

    Why is my Irish soda bread so hard?

    While Irish soda bread is a dense bread with a crusty exterior, it shouldn't turn out hard. If your bread is hard as a rock, you may have accidentally overworked the dough while mixing.

    Let's Connect!

    Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipe. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

    More Sourdough Recipes

    • No-Knead Sourdough Bread
    • Homemade Sourdough Hoagie Rolls
    • Whole Wheat Sourdough Discard Crackers
    • Sourdough Discard Naan Bread
    A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

    This Sourdough Irish Soda Bread is the perfect side dish for your St. Patrick's Day feast. It's easy to make, requires no special equipment, is only needs 8 simple ingredients. With its crunchy exterior, soft interior, and unique flavor, you'll love this tasty sourdough discard recipe.
    Course Bread, Side Dish
    Cuisine Irish
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 50 minutes
    Cool Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
    Servings 12 slices
    Calories 230kcal
    Author Ashley Petrie

    Equipment

    • Rimmed baking sheet
    • Mixing bowls

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cold, cut into ½-inch cubes
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 ÂĽ cups buttermilk
    • 1 cup (200 grams) sourdough starter discard
    • 1 cup raisins or currants optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
      4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
    • Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Pinch the butter between your fingertips, combining it with the dry ingredients, until the mixture holds together lightly when squeezed.
      4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • Whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and sourdough starter in a separate small mixing bowl until well combined.
      1 large egg, 1 ÂĽ cups buttermilk, 1 cup (200 grams) sourdough starter discard
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until most of the flour is moistened. Then, use your hands to lightly knead the mixture until a shaggy, sticky dough forms, taking care not to overwork it. The dough should be cohesive, but it will be pretty sticky. Don't panic, this is what we want.
      1 cup raisins or currants
    • Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and form it into a shaggy, rounded loaf. Use a knife to score the top of the dough. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

    Notes

    • Buttermilk Substitution: 1 ÂĽ cups of regular milk mixed with 4 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice OR Âľ cup of plain yogurt thinned with ½ cup of milk or water.
    • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Do not refrigerate.
    • Make Ahead: Bake a loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Warm in the oven before serving if desired.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 6.5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 2.5g | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2.3mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let me know! Comment below, or take a picture and tag me on Instagram @enwnutrition.

    More Holiday Recipes

    • Roasted carrots and asparagus on a small white plate.
      Roasted Carrots and Asparagus (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
    • A cast iron skillet filled with sweet potato corned beef hash.
      Sweet Potato Corned Beef Hash With Vegetables
    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • A pile of sautĂ©ed butternut squash on a small white plate.
      Sautéed Butternut Squash (How to Pan Fry Butternut Squash)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Patricia says

      February 21, 2023 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was really delicious and a great way to use up my sourdough discard that I hate throwing out!

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie says

        February 21, 2023 at 10:10 pm

        Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting outside smiling at the camera.

    Hi, I'm Ashley!

    Welcome to Everyday Homemade, where you'll find scratch-made, comfort food recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

    More about me

    Follow @enwnutrition on Instagram

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
      Easy Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    • A slice of dutch oven chicken pot pie on a white plate. There is a fork in the slice of chicken pot pie as if someone is about to take a bite. The pie is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
      One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie (Single Crust)
    • Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.
      Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers (Without Tomato Sauce)

    What's In Season?

    • A bowl of creamy broccoli asparagus soup drizzled with cream.
      Creamy Broccoli Asparagus Soup (10 Ingredients!)
    • Slices of dry brined roasted chicken on a dinner plate with sides.
      Roasted Lemon-Garlic Dry Brined Chicken
    • Roasted carrots and asparagus on a small white plate.
      Roasted Carrots and Asparagus (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
    • A bowl filled with lemon dill hummus topped with extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill. The bowl is surrounded by carrots, celery, and wheat crackers.
      Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Hummus (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    ALL RECIPES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Homemade

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Print