Rye Irish Soda Bread (with Guinness beer)

Name: Rye Irish Soda Bread (with Guinness beer)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cup rye flour; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup Guinness beer/any stout

Crusty and soft this Irish soda bread is such a perfect side dish to your soups, stews and delicious on its own slathered in butter as well. It is a one bowl recipe that is very simple to make and uses Guinness beer in the dough which gives the bread a delicious malt like flavor.

The reason I love occasions is because I get to celebrate them with food mainly. *St. Patricks Day enters the chat*. I have absolutely loved a good Irish soda bread with soup or with a stew however this recipe is so delicious on its own with some butter you will keep going for servings. The rye flour adds a nutty flavor to the bread and compliments the Guinness beer perfectly. I have enjoyed this bread with coffee and it actually tastes like cake. The top and outside is crusty while the inside is fluffy and soft. There are a few important points to keep in mind when making a soda bread and we will go through all of them to ensure you make it perfect every single time.

What is Irish soda bread? What is a soda bread?

Irish soda bread is a quick bread made without yeast and baking soda instead hence the word soda. Its leavening comes from the baking soda and buttermilk reaction which creates a fluffy and crusty bread once baked. This bread doesn’t need any kneading or proofing time, the dough is mixed together in a bowl and transferred to a loaf tin and baked. A lot of recipes bake it on a baking tray directly as well. The flour used gives it a chewy texture.

What do you eat with Irish soda bread?

Irish soda bread can be enjoyed with any meal and is a versatile side dish. You could serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Serve it as a snack too. It pairs well with butter, jam, soups, spreads, stews or even with eggs and sausages for breakfast. There is no rule book on what it can be served it but it can be eaten with anything and everything as it is so yummy. The crusty outside and fluffy interior makes it perfect with butter, salt and a cup of coffee too.

What is the best flour for Irish soda bread?

An Irish style flour is the best flour to use to make soda bread, as it lends for delicious flavor and beautiful texture as well. You could just as well use whole wheat flour, white flour, a combination of flours and or rye flour is a good option. You could use bread recipes but keep in the mind that flours absorb liquids differently hence it is best to stick with the recipe.

What ingredients do you need to make this rye soda bread?

To make this rye Irish soda bread we need rye flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, buttermilk, Guinness beer. I have used a little butter on top to create that bakery style crack but this is optional.

What equipment do you need to make this rye soda bread?

To make the dough we need a large mixing bowl, whisk and rubber spatula. I have baked the bread in a 9×5 inch loaf tin in the oven.

How to make this rye soda bread? How to tell if Irish soda bread is done?

Preheat the oven to 400 deg F, brush the baking tin with a little oil and set aside. In a large mixing bowl add the rye flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar and whisk together until combined. Add the buttermilk, Guinness beer and stir together using a rubber spatula until mixed through and there are no dry pockets. Transfer the dough into the prepared tin, pipe a line of the softened butter in the center of the tin and bake for 20 minutes at 400 deg F. Then reduce the heat to 350 deg F and continue baking for 25 minutes or until a tooth pick/knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing, slicing and serving while still hot. Serve it with butter, salt, jam and coffee.

Storing this rye soda bread? Should I keep soda bread in the fridge?

This bread is delicious on the same day but you can wrap the leftovers in cling wrap and then a tea towel, place in the fridge or freezer. In the fridge it can keep for 2 days and in the freezer for a week. I would suggest warming it in the toaster or microwave before serving and enjoying.

Looking for more quick bread recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this rye Irish soda bread recipe, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest & instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.