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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
