Irish Soda Bread with Butter Recipe

Introduction

Irish soda bread is a classic, quick bread known for its simple ingredients and hearty texture. This easy-to-make loaf pairs beautifully with creamy Irish butter, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons Irish butter, room temperature (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar if using.
3. Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in most of the buttermilk. Mix gently with your hand or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Add more buttermilk if the dough feels too dry.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 30 seconds to bring it together. Shape it into a round loaf approximately 2 inches thick and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on top of the loaf. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Step 6: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm, sliced thickly and spread generously with Irish butter.

Tips & Variations

• For a sweeter touch, increase the sugar slightly or add raisins to the dough.
• Use buttermilk at full fat for a richer flavor, or substitute with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk.
• Make sure not to over-knead the dough to keep the bread tender and crumbly.

Storage

Store leftover soda bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread in an airtight bag for up to one month. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven until warm before serving with butter.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar acidic environment needed for the baking soda to work effectively.

What if my soda bread doesn’t rise much?

Check that your baking soda is fresh, and be sure not to overmix the dough. Overworking can tighten the gluten and inhibit rise.

Irish Soda Bread with Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 132 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8) 1x

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Description

This traditional Irish soda bread recipe yields a rustic, golden loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Made with simple ingredients including all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk, this quick bread requires no yeast or rising time. Served warm with creamy Irish butter, it’s perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty soups and stews.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk

For Serving

• 4 tablespoons Irish butter, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar if using. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
3. Combine and Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in most of the cold buttermilk. Gently mix with your hand or a wooden spoon until a soft dough starts to form, adding more buttermilk a little at a time if needed. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
4. Shape the Loaf: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly for about 30 seconds just to bring the dough together. Shape it into a round loaf roughly 2 inches thick and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Score and Bake: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top of the loaf to help it bake evenly and allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the bread is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cool and Serve: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm, thickly sliced, and generously spread with room temperature Irish butter for a truly authentic taste.

Notes

• Use cold buttermilk for best texture and tangy flavor.
• You can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar for buttermilk if needed.
• Do not over-knead the dough; soda bread is best when handled gently to keep it light and tender.
• The deep cross cut helps the bread expand and ensures even baking inside.
• For a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
• Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Irish soda bread, traditional Irish bread, quick bread, buttermilk bread, no yeast bread, rustic bread