Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk Butter

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

Quick Irish soda bread cooked on the stovetop to a golden crust, served with a tangy buttermilk butter spread for a traditional taste. 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 210 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp granulated sugar until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 1 cup buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms; do not overmix.
  3. Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface and shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the dough to the skillet and cook for 10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crusty.
  5. Step 5: Flip the bread using a spatula and cook the other side for another 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives until well blended. Spread on warm soda bread slices and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk 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-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk 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-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk 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-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk 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-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk 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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