St. Patrick's Day Cinnamon Irish Sourdough Soda Bread

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate Irish heritage with a warm and delicious homemade bread. This Cinnamon Irish Sourdough Soda Bread is a flavorful twist on traditional Irish soda bread, blending the tangy richness of sourdough starter with the tenderness of mesophilic yogurt (such as Skyr or Filmjölk). A hint of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness from sugar make this a delightful treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert alongside a cup of tea. Unlike yeast-based bread, Irish soda bread relies on baking soda for leavening, making it a quick and easy option that requires no long proofing times. Baking this bread in a Dutch oven creates a beautifully golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Ingredients Wet Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 whole egg ¾ cup mesophilic yogurt (Skyr or Filmjölk) Dry Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon Additional: Melted butter for brushing the top Instructions Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dutch Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your Dutch oven with the lid on inside the oven to preheat while you prepare the dough. This helps create an even bake and a crisp, golden crust. Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, softened butter, egg, and mesophilic yogurt. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated. Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. Step 4: Form the Dough Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky and shaggy. If it feels too wet, lightly flour your hands and shape it into a round loaf. Step 5: Score the Dough Using a sharp knife, cut a deep “X” into the top of the loaf—this traditional marking allows the bread to expand properly during baking. Step 6: Bake in the Dutch Oven Carefully, remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough in the center. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Step 7: Cool and Serve Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for an extra indulgent treat. Tips for the Perfect Irish Sourdough Soda Bread Preheating the Dutch oven helps create a crisp, bakery-style crust. Use a well-fed sourdough starter to enhance the tangy flavor and improve texture. For a richer taste, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Don’t overmix the dough—keeping it slightly shaggy will result in a more tender crumb. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Origins of Irish Soda Bread Irish soda bread dates back to the early 1800s in Ireland when baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) became widely available as a leavening agent. Unlike yeast-based breads, soda bread is quick to make and requires minimal ingredients—typically just flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. This made it a staple in Irish households, particularly among poorer communities that relied on simple, affordable ingredients. Traditionally, Irish soda bread was baked on an iron griddle or in a bastible (a type of Dutch oven) over an open fire. The characteristic “X” scoring on the top of the loaf was not just for looks—it was believed to ward off evil spirits and allow the bread to bake more evenly. St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Culture St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned years later as a Christian missionary, playing a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. Over time, St. Patrick’s Day has become a global celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, music, food, and traditions. While soda bread isn’t exclusive to St. Patrick’s Day, it’s commonly baked and enjoyed during the holiday as a symbol of Ireland’s rich culinary history. This Cinnamon Irish Sourdough Soda Bread puts a festive twist on the traditional recipe while honoring its humble, historical roots. Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting a St. Patrick’s Day gathering, or simply craving a homemade Irish-inspired treat, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day with a warm slice of homemade Irish goodness! #irishsodabread #recipe #breadrecipes #breadmaking #irishrecipes #stpatricksday #stpattysday #sourdoughbread #sourdoughstarter littletreefoodforest.etsy.com