These Soda Bread Muffins are airy and light with crisp edges, the perfect muffin top and delicious Irish cheddar in every bite.
Soda Bread is a classic quick bread that we tend to enjoy around this time of year, specifically for St. Patrick's Day. While I love the classic bread I thought it was time to give it an update and decided on muffins which have a lighter texture but all the flavor you already love (plus more!).
For this recipe you will need: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, egg, buttermilk, butter and Irish cheddar.

soda bread muffins make SENSE
While I can't argue that a traditional soda bread loaf is delicious, I do have to say that I favor mine in this muffin form! I can't wait to enjoy them with my corned beef in just a couple of weeks.
I think I am a pretty fair judge of the Irish flavors if I do say so myself... after all, my families roots date back to Irish blood for decades. I even have the porcelain skin, freckles and auburn hair to prove it 🙂
Anyways, back to these scrumptious muffins! No kneading, half the cook time, shredded Irish cheddar, and individual portions are just a few of the reasons why they make more sense than the traditional soda bread.

Irish Soda Bread muffins faq
There are a few simple questions you might have before getting started so I wanted to address them quickly before we dive into the recipe.
Do you serve irish soda bread warm?
Yes, yes, yes! When you make these muffins they are best served warm from the pan (let them cool for 5 minutes so you don't burn yourself). The cheese is ooey and the edges of the muffin are crisp. Every bite takes your taste buds to another universe...Irish legend says if you close your eyes while enjoying one of these muffins you may just find yourself in the countryside with sheep running along side you...okay I made that up, but we can imagine right?!
*Side note, you can totally make them ahead of time. Wrap them in a towel and put in your microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
What do you eat soda bread with?
This my friends is totally up to your tastes but I have a few of my favorite suggestions for you below:
- Corned Beef - a must have for us on St. Patrick's Day! Slice it thin and you can make little beef-muffin sandwiches.
- Slice up some of your leftover cheddar and put on your warm muffin with a spread of butter for a delicious treat.
- Sauteed cabbage - ooooh trust me, the butter from your cabbage will soak into these muffins perfectly.
- Along side a big bowl of Guinness Stew.
How long does soda bread last?
These muffins do well if packed in a sealed container for up to 1 week. They will get a little denser as they sit so keep that in mind and be sure to give them a quick heat before eating to get that just baked flavor.
You can easily freeze them so you have them for later as well, just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place within a container to keep them fresh.

You May Need...
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To ensure my muffins came out uniform in size I used my cookie scoop, it also really helped since it is such a thick and sticky batter. You can get them in a variety of sizes and they are great for making muffins, cookies, scooping ice cream and more!

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soda bread muffin recipe
Soda Bread Muffins with Cheddar
A delicious muffin version of traditional Irish Soda Bread made better with cheese!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 tablespoon Sugar granulated
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Egg
- ¼ cup Butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Irish Cheddar shredded
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 F and grease a muffin tin, set aside.
Notes
If you don’t have buttermilk don’t worry!! Simply use 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add the lemon juice to the milk and allow to sit for 5 minutes before stirring. Then use as you would the buttermilk.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12 muffinsServing Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 293mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g
*Please note that nutritional values are not always 100% accurate and are to be used as a guide.
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I'm seriously going to make these!! I love mini breads and for some reason, I haven't tried a mini soda bread! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You're welcome, they are so delicious and great individual portions!! Soda bread in muffin form is a winner <3
I've never heard of soda bread muffins before. They sound pretty yummy. I'll have to try it out.
They are a fun update to a traditional soda bread loaf 🙂
They sound so tasty and perfect for St Patrick's day
Oh my gosh, never even thought to make soda breads into muffins. Awesome, can't wait to try them!!
They are sooooo good as a muffin form, especially with the cheese. Soda Bread meets cheese and becomes a whole new level of yum!
I love soda bread but don't know how to do it! Now I can make it at home and make my husband taste it too!
Yes!! It is so easy to make these soda bread muffins, and the cheese really gives them a delicious spin! Enjoy!
What a wonderful idea to add Irish cheddar to your muffins! I bet these where delicious! I would love these to celebrate st patricks day!
The cheddar really makes them stand out in flavor, I hope you give them a try!!
such a great idea to make these into muffins! you know i don't think i've ever actually had soda bread. looks easy and yummy.
The muffin version of soda bread really is no fail, and the cheddar makes them so flavorful! Give it a try, I know you will love them!
Making them in muffin tins and adding a little cheddar is brilliant. I love a good Irish soda bread with a thick Irish stew!
These soda bread muffins are made for stew!!!! Perfect for dipping 🙂
I know soda bread, but soda bread muffins sounds new to me. Honestly these looks insanely delicious and easy to make as well. YUM
Thanks so much! Soda bread in muffin form is a new winner in our home!
Super delicious muffins that are so light! Perfect dish for this weekend - thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
<3 glad you enjoy them!! Happy weekend!
Thanks of sharing! Do they keep long?
Do you think I could exchange the cheddar for a cup of dried cranberries?
Hi Linda! You could for sure add cranberries instead of the cheese - the only thing to watch is the dryness of your batter as the cranberries (if dried and not like the craisins which are a little more wet) will need to soak some of that up to get plump while baking! You may need an additional 1/4 of milk. Let me know how they turn out!!
I made these for a St Patrick's Day party. They came out looking exactly like the pictures and were so easy! Everyone enjoyed their own little soda bread. Thank you so much for this easy recipe
Hi Sue, I am so happy you enjoyed these Soda Bread Muffins - they sure are easy and delicious! Cheers