Irish Cheddar and Bacon Soda Bread

Here it is, only five days away from the big day…St. Patrick’s Day. So I figure that it’s time for some more Soda Bread folks! And today the Soda Bread I’m talking about is made even more fabulous…if that is possible, by the addition of some scallions, chunks of tangy Irish cheddar and wonderful, glorious Bacon! You can’t go wrong with bacon!

Way back on the mere second day of this years St. Patrick’s Day blog-a-thon, I told you about Irish Soda Bread Muffins. Those slightly sweet, currant filled muffins are great for breakfast or perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon. This savory soda bread is different. I don’t really see it as a tea time snack, but more of a tasty accompaniment to Irish Stews or Corned Beef and Cabbage. But it would make for a brilliant breakfast. Imagine a thick craggy slice of this bacon and cheese filled bread, slathered with butter and topped with a fried egg! Are you getting the picture! As with all soda bread, it is quick and easy to make. And yes, I admit, this Irish Cheddar and Bacon Soda Bread, like my Irish Soda Bread Muffins is not traditional. But I don’t think you’ll give one fig about that while you’re devouring slice after slice…

• Servings: 1 loaf of bread
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

recipe slightly adapted from: Jessica Gavin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup King Arthur Irish Wholemeal flour (can sub. in Wholemeal Flour)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 ounces sharp Irish cheddar, cut into ¼ inch cubes
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 green onions, washed and cut into thin slices green part only
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• melted butter to paint top of bread, Maldon smoked flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, sprinkle a small amount of flour onto the sheet where you will be placing the bread.

Cook the bacon over medium heat in a sauté pan until crispy on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Cool, chop and reserve the bacon.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, black pepper and sugar, whisk together until combined. Add to the dry mixture the cheddar, bacon and green onions, combine together. Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Knead for 1-2 minutes, until the dough is hydrated and holds together.

Form dough into a round loaf and transfer to the floured parchment paper lined baking sheet. Cut a cross into the top of the dough, about ½ inch deep. Brush the top of dough with melted butter and sprinkle with Maldon flaky sea salt. (use the smoked sea salt if you can find it.) Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the soda bread is lightly browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom of the loaf. Serve warm!

Enjoy!

Irish Cheddar and Bacon Soda Bread brought to you by: Runcible Eats (www.leaandjay.com)