Pan-Fried Soda Bread with Chive Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic Irish soda bread cooked on the stovetop until golden and served with a smooth chive-infused butter. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 30 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 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt until evenly mixed.
  2. Step 2: Gradually pour 1 1/2 cups buttermilk into the flour mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms; do not overmix.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute to bring it together; shape into a 7-inch round disk.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the dough disk in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the bread using a spatula, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook another 8-10 minutes until the other side is also golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Step 6: While the bread cooks, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm soda bread slices spread with chive butter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Soda Bread with Chive Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Soda Bread with Chive Butter?

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 Soda Bread with Chive Butter?

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 Soda Bread with Chive Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Soda Bread with Chive Butter?

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.

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