Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Irish soda bread enriched with fresh herbs and crunchy sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor. This irish-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and 1/3 cup sunflower seeds until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Make a well in the center and pour in 1 3/4 cups buttermilk along with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 5 times until just combined. Shape into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on top of the loaf to help it rise evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Step 6: Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing to enjoy fresh or toasted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herbed Irish Soda Bread with Sunflower Seeds?

Irish quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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