7 Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipes That Have Stood The Test of Time

Published on December 1, 2020

Looking for a traditional Irish soda bread just like your grandma or grandpa used to make? Your search ends here. No, seriously: We've got recipes from both Grandpa McAndrew and Grandma McAndrews. These tried-and-true breads — like Auntie Mae's Irish Bread (which has been in the family for more than 150 years) and this authentic Spotted Dog Bread (fun fact: that's what you call Irish soda bread with dried fruit) — have stood the test of time because they're reliably delicious. Serve these classic quick breads at your St. Patrick's Day feast or with a warming soup or stew on a chilly night.

01 of 07

Brennan's Irish Soda Bread

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This authentic family recipe requires only six easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have on hand: milk, vinegar, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Reviewers say this bread is perfectly crispy on the outside, but moist and soft on the inside.

02 of 07

Irresistible Irish Soda Bread

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"This is our favorite soda bread," says reviewer APAETH. "The only tip I can offer is that chemically leavened breads should sit out at room temp for 30 minutes or so in the loaf pan following the mixing to allow the soda and powder to do their jobs."

03 of 07

Auntie Mae's Irish Bread

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Here's another family tradition that's stood the test of time: "This recipe has been handed down in my family for over 150 years. We haven't changed a thing," says recipe creator NancyShaw.

04 of 07

Grandpa McAndrew's Irish Soda Bread

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top-down view of a loaf of raisin-studded soda bread cut into quarters — CoachPotato

"My mom bugged grandpa for this recipe but he told her he didn't have one," explains recipe creator NANCERINI. "So, when he made the bread one day she captured each ingredient in a bowl and measured it and put it in the bowl he planned to mix it in!"

05 of 07

Grandma McAndrews' Irish Soda Bread

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homemade irish soda bread on a cutting board — Deb C

"This is not the dark bread you see in every restaurant in Dublin or Galway these days but I promise, it's authentic Irish Soda Bread, exactly how my late Irish grandma made it," according to recipe creator Sheila T. "Serve warm or cold with butter."

06 of 07

Spotted Dog Irish Bread

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Spotted Dog Irish Soda Bread baked in a cast iron skillet — Alaska Julie

Fun fact: Irish soda bread made with dried fruit is technically called "spotted dog bread." Recipe creator Josh Lovejoy says this family tradition has been around longer than he's been alive and is "unbeatable topped with a bit of butter."

07 of 07

Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread

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Use only the most basic ingredients to create this aptly named Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread. More than 1,000 rave reviewers say this simple recipe, which takes about 15 minutes to throw together, is a keeper.

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