Trellis Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread with fresh herbs offers a fragrant, crusty loaf perfect for hearty breakfasts or casual gatherings, showcasing simple ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixer bowl, combine 4 cups bread flour, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh tarragon, chopped fresh thyme, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Mix on low speed for 2 minutes.
- Place buttermilk and vegetable oil in a stainless steel bowl and whisk gently to combine.
- Gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed, and continue mixing until dough forms a ball, about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Scrape dough from hooks, then turn dough over and mix on low speed for another 30 seconds.
- Flour a dry surface with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Knead the dough until smooth using the heels of your hands.
- Form the dough into a round loaf.
- Pinch a small handful of dough on top and gently twist, being careful not to tear the dough from the loaf.
- Place the loaf, pinched side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Whisk egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water and lightly brush over the top of the loaf.
- Score a 1/4 inch deep X on the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
- Bread is done when a hollow sound is heard when the bottom is tapped with a finger.
- Allow the bread to cool to room temperature before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more aromatic loaf, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or substituting some of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Mixing on low speed is crucial to avoid overworking the dough, ensuring a tender bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Trellis Irish Soda Bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty soup. It pairs beautifully with Avocado Canapes for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, try serving it with a selection of cheeses or a homemade jam. Enjoy it as a side during meals or as a snack any time of day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trellis Irish Soda Bread contains roughly 525 calories, with 30g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (195% of the Daily Value), calcium (125% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2598mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in place of bread flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps achieve a chewier texture. If you choose all-purpose flour, consider adding a bit more to the recipe to maintain structure.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing until it becomes manageable. Ensure not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense. Kneading the dough on a floured surface can also help achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can incorporate other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, or even add ingredients like grated cheese, dried fruit, or nuts for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture levels to maintain the proper dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).