Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds
A rustic Irish soda bread cooked on the stovetop, featuring caraway seeds for a subtle anise flavor and a golden crust. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, teaspoon baking soda, teaspoon fine sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1 tablespoon caraway seeds until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Make a well in the center and gradually pour in 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms; do not overmix.
- Step 3: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 5-6 times until just combined, shaping into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons melted butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the dough in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crusty.
- Step 5: Carefully flip the bread and cook the other side for another 8-10 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds 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 Caraway 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 Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Caraway 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 Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Caraway 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 Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds?
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
- ★★★★★
The caraway seeds balanced beautifully with the tangy buttermilk. My kids even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for a cozy family meal with extra butter.
- ★★★★★
This soda bread was a hit at my St. Patrick's dinner! The caraway seeds added such a lovely depth.
