Name: Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

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Irish Soda Bread is a classic and rustic bread that captures the essence of traditional Irish baking. With just a handful of basic ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk—it comes together quickly and bakes up into a hearty, slightly dense loaf with a satisfying golden crust. This bread is perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a spread of butter and jam.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough may be a little sticky, but that’s perfectly fine.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes. Shape it into a round loaf.

Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” on top of the dough to help the bread rise evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Although this recipe is simple and traditional, there are several ways to customize it:

Add-ins: Try incorporating raisins, currants, or chopped nuts for a bit of extra texture and sweetness.

Herbs: For a savory twist, mix in some chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, flavorful version of Irish Soda Bread.

Flour swaps: I sometimes like to substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Irish Soda Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for a few days:

Storage: I wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel and store it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: If you have leftovers, I suggest reheating slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh the bread’s texture. Alternatively, you can toast it for a crunchy bite.

FAQs

Can I make Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, I’ve often substituted it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice mixed with 1 1/4 cups of regular milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to “sour” before using it in the recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the bread will be denser. I recommend using a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

How do I know when the Irish Soda Bread is done baking?

To check if your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s done. If it sounds dense, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Why does Irish Soda Bread need the “X” on top?

The “X” on top of the dough is a traditional scoring technique that helps the bread rise evenly while baking. It also helps to cook the middle of the bread thoroughly.

Can I freeze Irish Soda Bread?

Yes! If I have leftovers, I freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, I simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat it.

Conclusion

Irish Soda Bread is one of those timeless recipes that never gets old. It’s quick, easy, and results in a delicious, comforting loaf of bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hearty stew, spreading butter on a warm slice, or simply savoring it on its own, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll fall in love with its rustic charm.

Recipe:

Irish Soda Bread

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Print Recipe

Irish Soda Bread is a classic, rustic bread made with simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. This quick and easy bread recipe requires no rising time and results in a slightly dense, golden-brown loaf with a delightful tang from the buttermilk. Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or enjoying with butter and jam, this bread brings the comfort of traditional Irish baking to your table.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough may be a little sticky.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes. Shape it into a round loaf.
Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Score an “X” on top with a sharp knife to help the bread rise evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.