Soda bread is a chemically-leavened quick bread* made with baking soda instead of yeast, which produces a lighter, airy crumb. Irish soda bread dates back to approximately 1840, when bicarbonate of soda was introduced to Ireland. It reacted better with the soft wheat grown in Ireland’s climate, and replaced yeast as the leavening agent.

When should you serve Irish soda bread? Anytime! As a slightly sweet bread, it’s a breakfast and tea time favorite; but it also disappears quickly in the bread basket at lunch and dinner.

This easy-to-make Irish Soda Bread recipe is slightly sweetened with honey and dotted with plump, juicy raisins.

For St. Patrick’s Day, you can also serve Irish soda bread with a selection of Irish cheeses.

Irish Soda Bread. This recipe, from the National Honey Board, replaces the sugar with honey.

• Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe With Raisins & Caraway Seeds
• Irish Soda Bread Muffins With A Touch Of Beer

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*The term “quick bread” means fast rising. Read more about the different types of bread in our Bread Glossary.