Easy Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Make this classic, no-yeast Irish Soda Bread quickly. It results in a rustic loaf with a moist crumb, perfect for serving alongside soups or with butter.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
- Mix the ingredients quickly with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, about 1 1/2 inches high.
- Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, cutting almost to the bottom.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For a savory twist, mix 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) into the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk. This makes a great Cheddar Herb Soda Bread.
- If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 3/4 cups of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Bake this bread in a Dutch oven for an even crispier crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 10