Can You Freeze Irish Soda Bread: Easy Guide & Recipe

The question, can you freeze Irish soda bread is a valid question and one that deserves attention for you deliciously made from scratch homemade loaf, as well as for your bakery bread or store-bought bread.

Whether you’re getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just plain enjoy this delicious treat, let’s explore the answer to the question of freezing bread along with learning more about this particular melt in your mouth bread.

What is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish soda bread is a delicious bread that’s made with simple ingredients. It’s generally shaped in a round loaf and is different because it doesn’t use yeast to make it rise like traditional bread.

Instead, it uses a product that includes a chemical reaction that works as a leavening agent. The bread has a delicious flavor and goes well with many foods.

What Causes Irish Soda Bread to Rise?

Irish soda bread is unique because it’s not a yeast bread, though its appearance is similar to a round loaf of yeast bread. In other words, it doesn’t use yeast to make the bread rise.

Instead, it uses basic ingredients such as baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda as the leavening agent. The chemical reaction of sodium bicarbonate is what causes the bread to rise.

Add-ins for Soda Bread

There are a variety of add-ins that can be used for Irish Soda Bread. For example, some recipes call for caraway seeds for added flavor, lemon juice or white vinegar for a tart flavor. However, our recipe doesn’t use these items and instead sticks with the basic ingredients.

For other flavored add-ins you might also consider things like, cheese, onions, bacon bits, chives, jalapeno peppers, or sweet flavors such as cinnamon, raisins, brown sugar, dried cranberries.

Shelf Life of Irish Soda Bread

The shelf life of Irish soda bread depends on how it’s stored. For the longest shelf life, you’ll want to freeze it. And for the shortest shelf life, the bread can be stored at room temperature.

Here is a breakdown of estimated shelf life.

Room Temperature. Traditional Irish Soda Bread will last up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.

Refrigerator. Soda bread will last up to 7-10 days when sealed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.

Freezer. Soda bread can last up to 3 months when wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Irish Soda Bread?

Yes, Irish soda bread can be frozen as a whole loaf or as sliced bread. Either way will give you a good outcome. For the best results, be sure to wrap your bread or seal it in an airtight container first to prevent freezer burn.

We recommend wrapping your loaf of bread or sliced bread in plastic wrap then aluminum foil before placing it in a sealed zipped freezer bag or airtight container.

Tips: How to Freeze Irish Soda Bread, Easy Guide

Irish soda bread can be frozen in an airtight container or wrapped in food wrap and then sealed in a freezer bag. The best way is to keep it airtight to prevent freezer burn.

It doesn’t matter if your bread is a whole loaf or whether it’s sliced. Either way will freeze well.

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread

There are so many delicious foods that go well with a fresh baked loaf of homemade bread. Foods such as salads are always a great way to accompany bread.

Or, consider hearty stew like beef stew or our German goulash recipe to go along with your bread. Other favorites to eat with bread are soups, like our delicious chicken Florentine soup.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Following are step-by-step instructions for how to make the best Irish Soda Bread.

Equipment Needed:

To make and serve our Irish soda bread recipe, you’ll find this equipment helpful.

serrated knife

cast-iron skillet

large bowl

wooden spoon

baking sheet

sharp knife

Ingredients:

4 cups all purpose flour

1 ¼ cups buttermilk

4 tbsp sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ cup soft butter

1 egg

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375F degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients including the flour, sugar, soda, baking powder, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, make sure the flour mixture is well blended.

Add the buttermilk, soft butter, and egg. Stir until well combined.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the bread.

Form dough into a round loaf and place onto parchment paper lined cast-iron skillet.

Using a serrated knife or sharp knife, cut a large X in the top of the dough loaf.

Bake the dough in the oven for 15 minutes. Use a toothpick to check the center of the bread. If the toothpick comes out clean and the crust is a beautiful golden brown, the bread is done.

When finished, allow the bread to rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Other Easy Homemade Bread Recipes:

Following are some of our other popular homemade bread recipes you might like to try.

Panera Bread Focaccia Copycat Recipe
Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Copycat Recipe
White Mountain Bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are frequently asked questions that relate to can you freeze Irish soda bread. If you have a question that’s not answered here, feel free to drop it to us in the comments box below and we’ll be happy to respond.

What is the best way to freeze Irish soda bread?

The best way to freeze Irish soda bread is to let it cool to room temperature after it has finished baking.

Then wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and seal it in a zipped freezer bag or airtight container. Remember to date and label the packaging contents before transferring it to the freezer.

How do you thaw frozen Irish soda bread?

The best way to thaw frozen Irish soda bread is in the refrigerator overnight.

You can simply transfer the bread from the freezer to the refrigerator and leave it there overnight to defrost.

How do you reheat frozen Irish soda bread?

You can reheat frozen Irish soda bread in the toaster, toaster oven, conventional oven, air fryer, or using the microwave in a pinch.

Simply slice the bread if that’s not yet been done and then heat it using the preferred method. Top with your favorite butter or jam.

How long does Irish soda bread last in the fridge?

The length of time Irish soda bread lasts in the refrigerator depends on how well it’s been stored.

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or sealed in a zipped storage bag, it should last in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.