Description
This Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe delivers a traditional homemade bread that is both hearty and quick to prepare. Using simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, this bread comes together effortlessly with no yeast or rising time required. The crust bakes to a beautiful golden brown while the inside remains moist and tender, perfect for serving warm with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning agents.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead very gently for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes smooth and cohesive. Overkneading can toughen the bread.
- Shape & Score: Form the dough into a round loaf and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep “X” across the top to help the bread bake evenly and develop its traditional shape.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam for a delicious snack or accompaniment to meals.
Notes
- Use fresh baking soda to ensure proper rise.
- Do not overmix or overknead the dough for a tender crumb.
- Traditional Irish soda bread is best served the day it is made but can be stored wrapped for 1-2 days.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade buttermilk alternative.
- For a rustic touch, add raisins or caraway seeds to the dough before baking.