Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Irish soda bread pan-fried to golden perfection, served warm with creamy butter and fresh chives for a delightful snack or side. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 25 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking soda, buttermilk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and gently stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms; do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times until just smooth, then shape into a 6-inch round disk.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the dough disk in the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the bread and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the second side is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let cool slightly; spread 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter over the warm bread and sprinkle 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives on top before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives?

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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives?

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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Fried Irish Soda Bread with Butter and Chives?

Irish st. patrick’s day 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.

What others are saying