Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caraway Soda Bread is an incredibly straightforward recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated steps. Its texture is dense yet moist, with the unique flavor of caraway seeds adding a savory and slightly nutty note that complements its simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re new to bread-making or looking for a quick and satisfying loaf, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and caraway seeds.
- Add the butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to form a rough ball.
- Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score an “X” on top of the loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Add raisins: For a sweet touch, fold in 1/2 cup of raisins or currants into the dough before baking.
- Herb variation: Try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more savory flavor profile.
- Cheese: Add grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist on this traditional recipe.
- Spices: For a more robust flavor, you could add a pinch of ground fennel or caraway powder.
Storage/Reheating
Caraway Soda Bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
2. Can I make this bread without caraway seeds?
Absolutely! If you don’t like caraway seeds or don’t have them, you can simply leave them out or substitute with other spices like fennel or cumin.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more hearty bread.
4. Do I have to score the top of the dough?
Scoring the dough helps it bake more evenly and gives it that classic soda bread appearance. It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s recommended.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter if you need a dairy-free option, though it may slightly affect the flavor.
6. What can I serve this bread with?
Caraway Soda Bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and salads. It’s also delicious with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape it into a loaf, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
9. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
While a stand mixer can be used, it’s best to mix the dough by hand to avoid overworking it, which can result in a denser bread.
10. Can I add more caraway seeds for a stronger flavor?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of caraway seeds to suit your taste. Just be mindful that the flavor can become overpowering if too many are added.
Conclusion
Caraway Soda Bread is a simple yet flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a freshly baked, hearty bread with a subtle, aromatic taste from the caraway seeds. Whether served alongside a warm meal or toasted with butter, this easy bread recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Caraway Soda Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and caraway seeds.
- Add the butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a rough ball.
- Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and score an “X” on top with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter loaf, add 1/2 cup of raisins or currants.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.
- Add grated cheese for a cheesy variation.
- To make it even more flavorful, add a pinch of fennel or caraway powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
