8 Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Irish Soda Bread

It wouldn't be St. Paddy's Day without the Irish soda bread. Of course, some years the same old loaf start to feels a bit boring, but don't give up the classic baked good just yet! Instead, why not try one of the alternative takes on the traditional soda bread? These fresh recipes are sure to put a spin on the usual St. Patrick's Day menu.

Most St. Patrick's Day tables are bound to include a scrumptious corned beef with cabbage, or maybe even a tasty Irish stew or shepherd's pie. However, no festive St. Paddy's table can go without that a loaf of everyone's favorite Irish soda bread. Of course, that doesn't mean it has to be the same old, same old traditional recipe that everyone makes. 

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Turns out, there are lots of creative takes on Irish soda bread, and all the recipes sound quite amazing. There's even one with chocolate chips (!!!) — and we're not sure if we'll ever go back to plain raisins or currants after that. From sweet to savory, we discovered eight different ways to give that soda bread a delicious twist.

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Chocolate Chip Irish Soda Bread

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Asset/photocuisine/Corbis

If you've been wanting the kids to try Irish Soda Bread, there's no better way to make it more enticing than to include some yummy chocolate chips. This chocolate chip Irish soda bread is best eaten when it still warm from the oven. 

More from CafeMom: Corned Beef Cooked With Guinness Is the Ultimate St. Patrick's Day Dinner

Dill & Poppy Seed Soda Bread

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Delicious Everyday

Jennifer at Delicious Everyday recommends serving this hearty Dill Soda Bread with soup. Sounds perfect for a chilly March day, doesn't it?

Irish Cheddar & Bacon Soda Bread

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Jessica Gavin

Who could ever say no to a combination of cheese, bread, and bacon? Not us! So naturally when you see a recipe for Irish Cheddar and Bacon Soda Bread like the one created by culinary scientist Jessica Gavin, you want to run right out and gather all the ingredients no matter which holiday it is! But imagine this alongside your corned beef and cabbage? Yum!

Lemon & Walnut Soda Bread

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BakingBites

"This Lemon and Walnut Soda Bread is a citrusy twist on the basic recipe, with a light lemon flavor and subtle sweetness to it," explains pastry chef and food writer Nicole Weston of Baking Bites.

More from CafeMom: Crock-Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe Will MAKE Your St. Patrick's Day

Whiskey-Soaked Raisin Irish Soda Bread

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Brent Hofacker/shutterstock

This Whiskey-Soaked Raisin Irish Soda Bread recipe with whiskey butter takes your average morning meal to another level. 

"This is the perfect complement to the Irish soda bread — it will certainly give your breakfast a kick," says Michelle, who created the Jameson-infused butter and shares the recipe on her food blog, Brown Eyed Baker.

Carrot Soda Bread

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MShev/shutterstock

This Carrot Soda Bread is so tasty you'll be tempted to consume the whole loaf in one sitting. It can be assembled in minutes, too, which makes it that much more perfect!

More from CafeMom: The Ultimate Shamrock Shake Recipe for St. Patrick's Day

Lemon & Cranberry Irish Soda Bread

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Eat & Relish

This Lemon & Cranberry Irish Soda Bread recipe from Eat & Relish makes a delicious St. Paddy's Day breakfast. It's also a great tea time snack. Brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with sugar, this bread tastes a bit like a scone.

Apricot Orange Irish Soda Bread

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Flavor the Moments

"Apricot Orange Irish Soda Bread is rustic and crusty on the outside and moist and tangy on the inside," notes Marcie of Flavor the Moments. "It’s studded with chopped apricots and orange zest for a sunny twist on the classic!"

Sweet and citrusy, this bread makes you realize spring is right around the corner!