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Cozy Brown Butter Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Caraway Seeds

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread with a rich brown butter twist and aromatic caraway seeds, perfect for cozy breakfasts or comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Optional: ½ cup raisins or currants
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Optional vegan adaptation: plant-based butter and almond milk with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Optional cheesy upgrade: ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 6 tablespoons (85 g) of unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and foams, then begins to brown with nutty aroma and golden flecks appearing (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to heat.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons caraway seeds until evenly combined.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to the dry mix and stir.
  5. Combine wet ingredients: Pour 1¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk into the browned butter, stirring gently to blend.
  6. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky but manageable. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter. Do not knead excessively.
  8. Score the top with a sharp knife by cutting a deep cross about ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep.
  9. Place the loaf onto the preheated cast iron skillet or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Transfer bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning. Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Optional to toast caraway seeds lightly before adding. Bake immediately after mixing for best results. For a crustier loaf, mist oven with water or place a pan of water on the lower rack during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, brown butter, caraway seeds, quick bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, traditional Irish bread