Entree: United Kingdom – Northern Ireland – Soda Bread Sandwich (Hearty sandwich using traditional Irish soda bread split and filled with savory fillings)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 1 hr

Cook 15 min

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- For the soda bread loaf:
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
- For the sandwiches:
- 8 slices Irish back bacon, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 8 slices mature cheddar, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) whole-grain mustard
- 4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, softened for toasting
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the soda bread: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups (500 g) flour, 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda, and 1 tsp (5 g) salt.
2. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk and 2 tbsp (30 g) melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms; turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf without overworking.
3. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Score a deep cross on top with a sharp knife. Bake 35–45 minutes until golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a rack, then slice thickly into 8 even slices.
4. Cook the bacon: heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the 8 slices of Irish back bacon until browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain briefly on paper towel.
5. Assemble sandwiches: take two thick slices of soda bread per sandwich. Spread 1 tbsp (15 ml) whole-grain mustard on one slice and butter the outside faces of both slices with 1 tbsp (14 g) softened butter each if desired for toasting.
6. Layer 2 slices cheddar, 2 slices cooked back bacon, and tomato slices on the mustarded slice. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
7. Optional: heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium and toast each assembled sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese begins to melt.
8. Cut sandwiches in half and serve warm as a substantial Northern Irish entree.