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Irish Soda Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 60 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 round loaf (8 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Irish Soda Bread is a traditional, rustic loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Made without yeast, it comes together quickly using baking soda for lift—perfect served warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the flour.
  3. Incorporate butter (optional): Cut in the cold cubed butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, adding richness and a slight flakiness to the bread.
  4. Add buttermilk and form dough: Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing as it can make the bread dense.
  5. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Handle the dough lightly to maintain tenderness.
  6. Score the loaf: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cut a deep cross on top; this traditional scoring helps the bread cook evenly and releases steam.
  7. Bake the bread: Bake for 35–45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to let the crumb set; best served warm with butter or alongside soups and stews.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the dough or the bread will become dense.
  • Traditional Irish soda bread is lightly sweet-free and simple.
  • Best enjoyed the day it’s baked but can be wrapped and stored for up to 2 days for freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/irish-soda-bread-recipe/