Whether you're cooking up corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew to celebrate the Emerald Isle this March 17, one thing's for sure: you'll need something to sop up all those delicious juices. The answer: Irish soda bread. Thanks to baking soda, it's as quick to make as banana bread, yet as hearty and satisfying as bread that took all day to bake. Here are some of our favorite versions.

The Barefoot Contessa, who says she has "too short an attention span" to bake breads, is an Irish soda bread believer. There's no waiting around, no kneading -- just fresh, delicious bread studded with currants and orange zest,  done in around an hour. See Ina's foolproof method:

Whole-Wheat Soda Bread

For a slightly healthier take on soda bread, mix up this 5-ingredient whole-wheat version.

Can't eat gluten? We asked Shauna James Ahern, better known as Gluten-Free Girl, to share her recipe for classic soda bread, gluten-free.  You won't believe the crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside results.

Get more St. Patrick's Day breads, main dishes, drinks and desserts, from corned beef and cabbage to Irish coffee, at our St. Patrick's Day Central.