Pan-Seared Irish Soda Bread with Irish Butter

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

A golden, crusty Irish soda bread pan-seared to perfection and served warm with creamy Irish butter. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking soda, coarse salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp coarse salt until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Make a well in the center and pour in 1 1/4 cups buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, about 1 minute, just until it comes together. Shape into a round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the loaf in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the loaf using a spatula and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the other side is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm with 4 tbsp softened Irish butter spread generously on each slice.

Frequently asked questions

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