Bread making doesn’t get any simpler than this. (Oh dear, I’m starting to sound like those clowns on Masterchef). Griddle bread, as it’s known in my house, is a simple soda bread dough, but instead of being cooked in the oven, you cook it slowly on a non-stick frying pan or a cast-iron “griddle”. This is quite a traditional bread and is a great standby when you haven’t a scrap of granary left in the house. One warning though, once you cut this loaf you’ll keep going back to it until you’ve none left. It’s addictive!
I like my griddle bread “well done”. Cook gently until the surface of the bread is starting to blacken in places. As the bread cools, it gives off the most amazing toasty aromas. There’s something about it that reminds me of cream crackers. Surely not a bad thing?
For a traditional Irish bread that’s baked in the oven, try my Irish Soda Bread recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 tsp salt
- buttermilk, enough to make a very soft dough (about 250ml-300ml, as a guide)
Method
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, then add the buttermilk and mix gently until you have a soft, wet dough, but be careful it is not too “sloppy”. Heat a dry frying pan, then turn down the heat low and dust the pan with plain flour. Wet your hands then add the doughto the pan. Gently smooth out the dough to cover the pan then cook slowly on both sides until brown patches start to develop. This should take at least 8 minutes on each side. Cool on a wire rack.
Coat with plenty of salty butter and enjoy, this is great with your Saturday morning fry-up.
Oh this takes me back, I haven’t had griddle bread in years! Add this to the fact that despite my years of baking, I’ve never actually made bread (*gasp*). This could just be the recipe to help me overcome my fears!
Hi Siobhan. Go on, give it a try!! Let me know how you get on.
You’ve reminded me of precisely how long it is since I’ve had griddle bread, which is to say too long. I must needs remedy that…
This is something we have never experienced?? We will give it a spin? thanks, s
I love this idea! I just made soda bread for the first time for St. Patricks Day and loved it.. what a clever idea… thanks!
What an interesting recipe! I have never tried griddle bread, but am looking forward to making it.
A few months back, I started griddle cooking my yeast breads (in small batches, they turn out like farls) It’s a great way to cook small amounts of dough fast. And perfect for breakfast sized amounts of jam and butter holders.
Cool. Sounds like a “naan bread” kind of idea.
Wow! This was ridiculously easy and i can’t believe how good it tastes! The finished product is just beautiful. Also, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can add a dash of vinegar to milk and let it stand for a few minutes to make your own sour milk. And no self-rising flour? Just add a tsp of baking powder. I have made it multiple times since I found it a month ago.
have been searching for this recipie for a long time. my grandmother from armagh used to make this bread for us as kids, so it has a taste of chidhood for me. MMmmmmm
Thanks for the comment Jodie. Glad you found the recipe useful!
where can I purchase a round griddle pan with handle to make soda farls. I remember my gran having a cast iron one and a metal one (modern) with a collapsible handle.
I haven’t made soda bread for about 20 years. My mother-in-law taught me and I still have her old griddle, so now that I have a bit of time on my hands again I’ll give it a shot. Our favourite was fruit soda with loads of butter and mabe even a bit of cheese. Better not tell the kids though or I’ll be invaded.
Patricia
can i use a normal frying pan, non stick on a low heat?
my mom used to make it with just water and flour nothing else..
if you put raisins in the mix its soooooooo good, drooltastic.
i wonder if you could do it with banana… hm
please answer my question.
z
I’d give the raisins a shot, but not the banana. An oven baked bread might be better for this.