Cheddar & Bacon Irish Soda Bread

Especially during the COVID days, many a loaves of bread were made - but there's one family recipe that I come back to time and time again - Soda Bread!  This is my take or a flavour combo that we found while we were travelling to Ireland to reconnect with all my Irish fam! 

I've updated this recipe with Bacon and Cheddar, but feel free to make it your own with other flavour combinations such as Green Onion & Cheese, chopped sun-dried tomato & basil, or use something as simple as a tsp of citrus zest to add a little punch of something fresh!

For this recipe you will need: 
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• 6 cups all-purpose flour + extra flour for dusting and griddle • 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup bacon crumble
• 2 - 3 cups buttermilk

OBC Tip: If you don't have buttermilk, you can use either lemon juice or white vinegar and milk to create your own.  Use 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to every 1 cup of milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes, and then add to your recipe!

To make: 

1. In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients and stir. 

2. Add in cheese and bacon and coat in the dry mixture. 

3. Start by adding 2 cups of buttermilk. Then, if needed add in 1/4 cup at a time until you get a firm dough. Roll the dough onto a floured surface (or baking sheet if you want to help keep the kitchen just a wee bit cleaner)

4. Cut the dough into approximately 4 even portions. Pat each portion into a round and cut into quarters. 
OBC Note - if you'd prefer to use a fun cookie cutter etc. here, you can roll the dough out without portioning. We do love these simple triangular farles, and for me, it reminds me of my Granny teaching me how to "Tip them up on little ends until their done too"!  #nostalgic

5. Then start cooking!  Pre-heat your griddle to just higher than medium, add a sprinkle of flour (but no oils etc, you want a dry pan) and then add the bread.  They take about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on how hot the pan is. You're looking for them to puff up a little, and turn a nice brown colour. Then, just like I noted above, ensure you tip them up onto their edges for a few minutes each to finish the baking. 

To serve, these are truly best served hot and with so much butter it's embarrassing for your friends to watch. (LoL!)

So, either eat them hot off the griddle, toast slightly just before serving in the morning, or if you're being really naughty fry it up in some bacon grease to really start your morning off right :) 

Enjoy and please let me know how they turn out for you! 

~Savour Your Experience!~