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Enhance Your Bread: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread has a long history, but everyone is now enjoying it thanks to its simplicity and delicious taste.

The flavor is somewhere between savory and sweet, so it’s perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Many people have trouble finding what exactly the flavor is – some say there are hints of tartness, others find it tastes like sweet bread.

Because of this, it’s also easy to enjoy when served with certain foods like honey, jam, or butter.

Typically Irish Soda Bread is made by baking soda, buttermilk, flour, and raisins in an oven to make a sweet bread that tastes delicious anywhere.

However, many people like to add orange zest to give it more tang or pistachios for crunch.

It’s important to remember that Irish soda bread is supposed to be a quick and easy recipe.

If you’re looking for something to serve with it, then the eight best side dishes seem like the perfect choice.

You can choose from options like garlic bread or even rice pilaf, both of which are delicious choices.

Of course, if you want to go traditional, there’s always potatoes and cabbage.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Irish Soda Bread?

why consider serving side dishes for irish soda bread

The Irish are known for eating hearty, delicious dishes around St.

Patrick’s Day, but did you know that Irish soda bread goes great with other dishes?

Keeping the flavors of the Irish in mind, it is appropriate to pair soda bread with side dishes like beef stew or corned beef and cabbage.

This way, it is easier to enjoy other Irish food items without worrying about under-seasoned bread.

The bread is also more versatile this way, allowing it to be eaten with various dishes.

Irish soda bread is extremely versatile.

Irish soda bread can be served as an accompaniment to other delicious food items like beef stew and corned beef and cabbage.

This way, it is easier for the diner to enjoy the flavors of other Irish food items without worrying about an under-seasoned side.

Bread is more versatile when served with a dish, allowing it to be eaten with various dishes.

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread? 8 BEST Side Dishes

what to serve with irish soda bread best side dishes

Here are eight side dishes that should be paired with Irish soda bread:

1 – Irish Beef Stew

irish beef stew

Irish beef stew is hearty and delicious, perfect for pairing with soda bread.

It’s simple to make – place the ingredients in a large pot and let it simmer away.

Choose your favorite cut of beef (chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket) and brown it off to seal in the flavor before adding the vegetables and broth to the pot.

Braising is a great way to cook tougher cuts of beef and infuse it with flavor.

You can make this stew in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

The slow cooker will leave it tender and juicy, while the stovetop leaves it more flavorful and hearty.

2 – Corned Beef and Cabbage

corned beef and cabbage

Corned beef and cabbage should probably be served year-round, even if it isn’t St. Patty’s Day.

It may seem like a simple dish, but the recipe is quite complex.

Once cooked through, the corned beef naturally produces its savory juice, which the cabbage absorbs as they steam together in the same pot.

The longer the corned beef and cabbage steam in the pot, the more tender and flavorful they will become.

This meal is excellent for large groups because it can easily be multiplied to suit even larger crowds, and it’s relatively inexpensive.

3 – Sauerkraut

sauerkraut

Sauerkraut may not sound Irish, but it goes well with corned beef and cabbage.

But if you don’t like the idea of corned beef and cabbage, you can always serve it with your favorite Irish soda bread.

Sauerkraut is shredded cabbage that lactic acid bacteria have fermented.

It offers a tangy flavor as well as essential nutrients such as vitamin C and iron.

It goes well with almost any dish.

Add sauerkraut to your favorite potato or macaroni salad, use it as a topping for hot dogs and burgers, eat it on its own with some mustard, anything goes.

4 – Zucchini Fritters

zucchini fritters

These fritters are a great accompaniment to Irish soda bread.

They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a satisfying alternative to more traditional French fries.

They only require a few ingredients: zucchini, eggs, flour, and spices.

Grate your zucchini into a bowl of egg and flour, and add your favorite spices, such as garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Once the mixture is combined, you can deep-fry or pan-fry them.

You’ll know they’re done cooking when they turn a golden brown color.

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy.

5 – Fried Red Cabbage

fried red cabbage

This cabbage dish would taste awesome with Irish soda bread.

It’s simple to make, requiring only cabbage, butter, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

It can be served warm or chilled – either way, it is delicious.

The cabbage cooks down significantly, so you’ll need a lot of it.

You can also make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

It’s best to use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan for this dish, as thin pots cannot heat the butter and oil evenly.

6 – Baked Onion Rings

baked onion rings

These onion rings are delicious and easy to make. They’re perfect for pairing with Irish soda bread.

Start by slicing onions into equally-thick slices, then separate the rings.

Dip each ring in buttermilk or eggs before coating it in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices.

Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Then enjoy the deliciousness.

7 – Baked Sweet Potato Fries

baked sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are a fantastic alternative to traditional French fries.

They’re lighter and have a sweeter flavor, which pairs well with the savory Irish soda bread.

Baked sweet potato fries are easy to make – chop them into long strips or wedges and place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Then drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil and add your favorite seasonings such as garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Also, add salt and pepper to taste.

8 – Apple Butter

apple butter

Apple butter is a sweet spread made from apples, sugar, and spices.

It’s great when paired with Irish soda bread – the sweetness of the apple butter will complement the bread nicely.

Start by cooking down chopped apples in a mixture of sugar, spices, and lemon juice until they become tender.

Then transfer them to a blender or food processor and blend them until they reach the desired consistency.

Add more sugar or spices based on your personal preference.

You can also stir in some butter or cream if you want to make it richer and smoother.

Conclusion

Irish soda bread is delicious on its own, but tons of side dishes go well with it.

Try them on top of some Irish soda bread for tangy sauerkraut, crispy zucchini fritters, and creamy ranch dressing.

Or, if you want to stick to more traditional food pairings, serve the apple butter or baked sweet potato fries with Irish soda bread for a tasty meal.

It’s important to realize that Irish soda bread doesn’t need any accompaniments or additions.

It’s delicious on its own, with a side of butter.

However, these are just some ideas for what would taste good when paired with the tasty bread.

what to serve with irish soda bread

What To Serve With Irish Soda Bread? 8 BEST Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Irish Beef Stew
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Sauerkraut
  • Zucchini Fritters
  • Fried Red Cabbage
  • Baked Onion Rings
  • Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  • Apple Butter

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
  • Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
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