Irish Soda Farls Recipe (2024)

Today’s Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a quick and simple soda bread that cooks in a skillet or griddle! I figured since I’m Irish and it’s getting close to St. Patricks Day it’s just got to be done! Soda Farls or as they’re commonly called in Ireland just plain Farls / Farl–will become a year round favorite. Our soda farl recipe will be your new go-to dinner biscuit!

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (1)

Why we love Irish Soda Farls Recipe

Our Culinary Journey Around the World is jumping over to explore Ireland for a few weeks. Today’s recipe traditionally came from Northern Ireland and later in the post we’re exploring Dublin, Ireland.

I’m quiet in love with Ireland! I’m so excited to share some of the beautiful sights with you but first, lets enjoy some Irish Soda Farls together.

What are Irish Soda Farls?

• Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a soda bread dough that’s flattened into a round circle, and divided into farls meaning 4 parts.

• It is also referred to as Irish Griddle Bread because it’s cooked on a dry griddle or pan lightly sprinkled with flour.

• Traditionally this was the quickest way to make soda bread for unexpected guests who drop by for a bit of craic (good fun).

• It’s best eaten fresh with butter and jam.

• Have you tried Irish Kerrygold brand butter in the photo’s? It’s so very delightful, rich, and flavorful!

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (2)

Traditional Irish Food

Irish food is known for the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Most cooking is done without herbs or spices, except for salt and pepper. Foods are usually served without sauce or gravy.

The staples of the Irish diet have traditionally been potatoes, grains (especially oats), and dairy products. Potatoes still appear at most Irish meals, with potato scones, similar to biscuits or muffins, a specialty in the north.

The Irish have also been accomplished cheesemakers for centuries. Ireland makes about fifty types of homemade “farmhouse” cheeses, which are considered delicacies.

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (3)

Ingredients in Irish Soda Farls Recipe

  • all-purpose flour
  • sea salt
  • baking soda
  • buttermilk

How to make Irish Soda Farls Recipe

  • Preheat heavy based flat griddle or skillet on medium to low heat.
  • Place flour and salt in a bowl and sift in baking soda. Make a well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk.
  • Work quickly to mix into dough and knead very lightly on a well floured surface. Form into a flattened circle, about 1/2 inch thick and cut into quarters with a floured knife.
  • Sprinkle a little flour over the base of the hot pan and cook the farls for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (4)

Amazing places to explore in Dublin, Ireland

Let take a look at some of the breath-taking places to visit in Ireland. . . someday I want to go and explore it all!

See Also
Mini Mince Pie Puffs RecipeSkirlie Recipe - Scottish Stuffing25 Traditional British RecipesTraditional British Recipe: Eccles Cakes

Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.

It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction. . .

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (5)

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1191, is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. With its 43-metre spire, St. Patrick’s is the tallest church in Ireland and the largest. The Cathedral is a place where history is alive and tradition breathes, where lives are remembered and transformed, and where all are welcome to experience and explore the loving presence of God.

“A house of prayer for all nations”. . .

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (6)

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, on Kildare Street in Dublin, first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been filling in the blanks for us through its extensive archaeological collections. The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard.

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (7)

Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or, Ireland’s Gold. Ramble through prehistoric Ireland and experience life at the same time of the Vikings in Viking Age Ireland. Medieval Ireland 1150-1550, documents life in Ireland in the age of cathedrals, monasteries and castles. . .

WOW, right?!?! I’m in head-over-heels in love with Ireland already 🙂

Yield: 4

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (8)

Irish Soda Farls Recipe is a quick and simple soda bread that cooks in a skillet or griddle!

See Also
Scottish Ecclefechan Tart Recipe - Scottish Scran

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat heavy based flat griddle or skillet on medium to low heat.
  2. Place flour and salt in a bowl and sift in baking soda. Make a well in the center, and pour in the buttermilk.
  3. Work quickly to mix into dough and knead very lightly on a well floured surface. Form into a flattened circle, about 1/2 inch thick and cut into quarters with a floured knife.
  4. Sprinkle a little flour over the base of the hot pan and cook the farls for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  5. Enjoy your Irish Soda Farls Recipe!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 252Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 961mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g

I’m so excited to share that I was recently in Dublin, Ireland!

It was so much fun to explore and share with all of you the places above- talk about coming full circle! Here are my other recipes and posts for you to read and enjoy!

• Irish Cheddar, Ham, and Chive Scones

• Our Guinness Beef and Potato Stew

More Irish Recipes

• Irish Corned Beef with Cabbage

• Irish Mushroom Melt

• Bangers and Mash with Brown Gravy

• Irish Coffee with Baileys and Kahlua

• Irish Cream Bundt Cake

• Irish Soda Bread

• Irish Creme de Menthe co*cktail

• Irish Stew

• Irish Ginger Snaps

Enjoy our Irish Soda Farls Recipe– you’ll be in heaven with every bite!

One more thing before you go…

We love creating recipes and sharing our adventures with you, so if you can do us a huge favor it’d really support us! It’s easier to stay motivated to share our best with you when we hear from you! We adore our readers and it really makes our day to get comments, social tags/shares, or pins that you save for later to share with your family and friends.

Our hearts sing when you do.

We SEE you and we do our very best to respond to all the love! It also amps up our mo-jo so we get lots of awesome things done around here. Please reach out if you have questions or comments via our email: ruthie@cookingwithruthie.com. We’re excited to see you again soon!

Cooking with Ruthie on Instagram

Cooking with Ruthie on Pinterest

Cooking with Ruthie on Facebook

Thanks for sharing in the CWR blog-love!

Love Always,

Ruthie & Madeliene

*I adapted this recipe from Allrecipesand other rescourcesFoods by Nations, andVisit Doublin

Irish Soda Farls Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between soda bread and Irish soda bread? ›

Sweeter Soda Bread

On this side of the Atlantic, what we call "Irish soda bread" is more rich and sweet, usually studded with raisins and caraway seeds. These cakey, scone-like loaves often include eggs and butter for tenderness and more flavor.

See Details ›
Why is Irish soda bread so good? ›

This gave the bread its famous hard crust, dense texture, and slightly sour tang. The unique texture of soda bread is a result of the reaction between the acidic sour milk and baking soda, which formed small bubbles of carbon dioxide in the dough. The shape of soda bread is also steeped in tradition.

Keep Reading ›
Why is Irish soda bread so dry? ›

You might have added too much baking soda or baking powder or used self-rising flour. If your bread's texture is dry: You might have added too much baking soda, too little liquid or not baked it at high enough temperature.

Read On ›
What is soda bread called in Ireland? ›

In Ulster, the wholemeal variety is usually known as wheaten bread and is normally sweetened, while the term "soda bread" is restricted to the white savoury form. In the southern provinces of Ireland, the wholemeal variety is usually known as brown bread and is almost identical to the Ulster wheaten.

Read More ›
What's the difference between Irish bread and Irish soda bread? ›

Irish brown bread has a deep, nutty flavor because of its wheat flour and wheat bran while soda bread uses only white flour. Soda bread is slightly sweet and more scone-like while Irish brown bread is more savory with a tender interior.

See More ›
Why do you put a cross in Irish soda bread? ›

I was always told that the cross on the top of Irish Soda Bread was to symbolize the Catholic faith of Ireland, and the Gaelic Cross. Some say it kept the Devil out, but that is what a cross is supposed to do also. Turns out that is true but more importantly, it helps in the baking of the bread.

Tell Me More ›
Is Irish soda bread the same as sourdough bread? ›

The main difference between sourdough bread and soda bread is in its leavening agent – sourdough bread rises due to the gasses released from yeast and bacteria fermentation, while soda bread rises from the gasses produced during the chemical interaction between baking soda and acids in the dough.

Show Me More ›
Do people in Ireland eat Irish soda bread? ›

Ireland, for one, has embraced it's kind of bread – the soda bread. It is a basic staple among the Irish that they call it Irish Soda Bread. It's common to see the locals pair this famous bread with a bottle of Guinness too.

Tell Me More ›
How many days is Irish soda bread good for? ›

Tightly wrap your leftover bread and place it in an airtight container. There's no need to refrigerate. As for how long soda bread lasts: Irish soda bread tends to dry out faster than other breads. The bread will be good for 3-4 days or up to three months if frozen.

Continue Reading ›
Is Irish soda bread better for you? ›

Nutrition Notes

Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

Read The Full Story ›

How are you supposed to eat Irish soda bread? ›

The slices are delicious simply spread with butter, jam, or marmalade. This bread can be toasted, too. Soda bread can be paired with any meal of the day. You can even bake it without the raisins to make a loaf to serve with savory dishes like soup, meat dishes, or to use for sandwiches.

Discover More Details ›
Is Irish soda bread unhealthy? ›

Yes! Between its straightforward recipe, short preparation and cooking time, and delicious taste, this is at the top of my list of bread to make! From traditional to added dried fruits, nuts and seeds, cheeses, and herbs, you can make your healthy Irish Soda Bread filled with heart healthy nutrients!

Read The Full Story ›
Why is my Irish soda bread sticky? ›

Your dough can become sticky when you add too much water or the flour isn't suitable for the type of dough you are making. Over proofing or fermenting the dough can also result in the gluten structure weakening causing sticky dough.

Discover More ›
What are potato farls made of? ›

Potato Farls is just mashed potatoes kneaded with some flour, butter, salt, and pepper, then fried up into tasty little pieces, making them the perfect recipe for the day after Thanksgiving!

Read On ›
What is different about soda bread? ›

Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that does not require any yeast. Instead, all of its leavening comes from baking soda and buttermilk. This Irish Soda Bread recipe is my grandmother's and has been cherished in my family for years. It's dense, yet soft and has the most incredible crusty exterior.

See Details ›
Why is soda bread so tasty? ›

In many ways it resembles a scone, another example of a baked good that doesn't use yeast. It has a similar flavor to a scone, thanks to the baking soda. Though it can be made plain, soda bread's flavor is usually defined by what is added to it. Caraway seeds are a very common soda bread ingredient.

Keep Reading ›
Why is soda bread different? ›

What is soda bread? Soda bread is a type of quick bread which takes its name from the baking soda (or, sodium bicarbonate) that is used as a leavening agent instead of the traditional yeast. Traditionally, soda bread is made using flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.

Explore More ›
Top Articles
Bordelaise Sauce Recipe
Easy Traybake Pork Chops With Potatoes - Recipe Winners
Stephen Rowland: 'Listen To My Voice'
Jewel, the voice from Alaska
Latest Posts
Chaliapin Steak Don (Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Copycat Recipe) | Sudachi
How to make Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops - Easy and Delicious Recipe
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5809

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.