what to do with leftover irish soda bread

If you find yourself with leftover Irish soda bread after indulging in a St. Patrick’s Day feast or simply because you made extra, worry not! There are plenty of delicious ways to repurpose this traditional Irish treat and avoid any waste. From sweet to savory options, here are some creative ideas on what to do with leftover Irish soda bread.

1. Traditional Bread Pudding

One of the most popular uses for leftover bread of any kind is transforming it into a rich and comforting bread pudding. Here’s how you can make a delicious traditional Irish soda bread pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Tear your leftover Irish soda bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
5. Pour the mixture over the bread, making sure to soak each piece.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy a warm and comforting treat.

2. Irish Bread French Toast

Leftover Irish soda bread can be transformed into a delightful breakfast or brunch dish by turning it into Irish bread French toast. Here’s how:

1. In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt some butter.
3. Dip slices of the leftover soda bread into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side.
4. Cook the soaked bread slices on the skillet or griddle until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
5. Serve your Irish bread French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast treat.

3. Savory Bread Crumbs for Coating

Leftover Irish soda bread can be transformed into flavorful bread crumbs that can be used as a coating for various savory dishes. Here’s how you can make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Cut the leftover Irish soda bread into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the bread pieces for about 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.
4. Allow the bread to cool completely, then transfer it to a blender or food processor.
5. Pulse the bread until you achieve the desired consistency of bread crumbs.
6. You can use these savory bread crumbs to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables before baking or frying them for an added crunchy and flavorful twist.

4. Irish Soda Bread Croutons

Another delicious way to repurpose your leftover Irish soda bread is by turning it into crunchy croutons. These can elevate your salads, soups, or even act as a tasty snack. Here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice your leftover Irish soda bread into small cubes or desired crouton size.
3. In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
6. Allow them to cool before using them as toppings for salads or soups, or enjoy them as a delicious snack.

5. Bread and Butter Pudding

Bread and butter pudding is a classic dessert that can be made even more delightful by using leftover Irish soda bread. Here’s how to make this comforting dessert:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread butter on slices of leftover Irish soda bread.
3. Cut the bread into triangles or smaller pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
4. In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk until it starts to steam. Remove it from the heat.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
6. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve warm and savor the comforting flavors of this bread and butter pudding.

These are just a few creative ideas to help you make the most of your leftover Irish soda bread. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, these recipes ensure that no bread goes to waste while still enjoying the wonderful flavors of this traditional Irish treat.