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READY IN 55 mins

Grandpa McAndrew's Irish Soda Bread

Read Reviews (72)

"My mom bugged grandpa for this recipe but he told her he didn't have one. So, when he made the bread one day she captured each ingredient in a bowl and measured it and put it in the bowl he planned to mix it in!" — NANCERINI

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Original recipe makes 1 loaf Change Servings

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup raisins

1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons margarine, melted

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Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cast iron skillet.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and sugar. Toss the raisins with the flour mixture until coated. Make a well in the center and add the egg, buttermilk, and melted margarine. Stir until all of the dry ingredients are absorbed. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few quick turns just to even out the dough. Handle the dough as little as possible. Pat into a flat circle, and place into the prepared pan.
Bake the bread for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden.

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PREP 10 mins
COOK 45 mins
READY IN 55 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jan 27, 2004

Please ADD SALT, a little will do you just fine. The first time I made this it was a total flop. One dash of salt could have saved this recipe. Second attempt with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, MUCH BETTER.

—MOOMS

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Oct 01, 2009

I followed this recipe almost to the letter (plus the 1/2 t salt recommended by someone and using both currants and raisins) and it was just blah. I'm not sure why people have liked this so much - heavy and tasteless. It's edible with butter and jam.

—KaryninPhilly

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83 Ratings

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Mar 17, 2003

Yummy! This one was so incredibly quick and tastes great. I actually didn't have buttermilk so I substituted 1 cup plain yogurt (what the Joy of Cooking suggests as a substitution).

—CAJUNTOAST

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Mar 16, 2011

Well, Grandpa McAndrew must've been one heck of a guy, because this is one heck of a good Irish Soda Bread! I do however think that when "Mom" was copying down the recipe she did forget to add the salt...a little bit is all you need. I chose to add 1/2 tsp. I like my soda breads a little sweeter, so I doubled the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup. After I formed the bread I lightly scored it and brushed it with an egg wash. I popped it the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baked it at 375 for about 45 minutes. This is a great recipe for traditional Irish soda bread - perfect warm with butter served with a cup of tea!

—Jillian

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Apr 11, 2003

This is a wonderful recipe and it came out perfectly with the additions from the two prior reviews. However I did something else different....since i cannot eat eggs, I substituted 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil instead of using the one egg....it was WONDERFUL!!!! Thanks guys!

—SUNFLOWERLAZ

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Jan 27, 2004

This recipe was extremely easy and took very little time. It was too powdery looking, but tasted okay. I made another one using 3tbls of margarine. It looks better but I believe brushing the top with egg white and water would give it a glazed appearance. It is very heavy and slightly sweet. I served mine with whipped cream cheese.

—Myra

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Mar 25, 2006

A perfect, fast recipe. I've made it twice and it's been great both times. I usually like to fool around with ingredients but there's no need to with this one. Good stuff!

—ev

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Oct 31, 2005

This is a very easy to make, wonderfully moist bread! I topped the bread with a melted butter & powdered sugar frosting.

—SRASWAMP

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Nutrition

Calories
255 kcal
13%

Carbohydrates
47.6 g
15%

Cholesterol
28 mg
9%

Fiber
1.6 g
6%

Protein
6.9 g
14%

Sodium
153 mg
6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Grandpa McAndrew's Irish Soda Bread

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 255
Calories from Fat: 36

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g 6 %
Saturated Fat 0.9g 5 %
Cholesterol 28mg 9 %
Sodium 153mg 6 %
Potassium 174mg 5 %
Total Carbohydrates 47.6g 15 %
Dietary Fiber 1.6g 6 %
Protein 6.9g 14 %
Sugars 10.2g
Vitamin A 3 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 6 %
Iron 25 %
Thiamin 40 %
Niacin 33 %
Vitamin B6 4 %
Magnesium 6 %
Folate 50 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.