-
Prep Time5 minutes
-
Cook Time30 minutes
-
Serv Size1 loaf
A rustic Irish loaf rooted in 19th‑century tradition, soda bread delivers incredible flavor with just four humble ingredients.
Ingredients
Directions
Irish soda bread is one of those beautifully simple, rustic recipes that feels like home the moment it comes out of the oven. Born in the early 1800s, this humble loaf became a staple in Irish kitchens thanks to its minimal ingredients and quick preparation — no yeast, no long rises, just flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk coming together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Traditionally baked in cast‑iron pots over open hearths, soda bread developed its signature deep “X” slash to help the loaf rise evenly and bake through the center. This version stays true to its roots: hearty, rustic, and ready in under an hour, with a tender crumb and a golden, crackly crust that makes every slice irresistible.
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir together 4 cups of all‑purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
Add 2 cups of buttermilk and gently stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. If it still looks dry or floury, add a splash more buttermilk until the dough is soft, shaggy, and slightly sticky. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round. Avoid kneading soda bread — it becomes tough if overworked. You’re simply forming it into a ball.
Once the dough has been formed into a ball, place it on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Score the top with a deep “X” using a razor blade, bread lame, or very sharp knife. This helps the bread rise evenly and bake through the center. Then bake at 425 degrees for 35-45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam, or Dublin Coddle.
Enjoy!
Love Irish Food? We have lots of Irish recipes, here are a few:
- Stout Garden Sandwich
- Irish Pub-Style Salad with Quick Pickled Vegetables
- Ham with Irish Parsley Sauce
- Irish Oat Cookies Dipped in Chocolate
- Irish Potato Salad
- Steak Pot Pie
- Kimchi Reuben Sandwich
- Irish Bacon & Green Onion Potato Cakes
- Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven Braised Beef in Stout with Herb Dumplings
Conclusion
Kitchen Tools :Need some tools or ingredients to make this recipe? Use my Amazon Affiliate links to shop. I will make a small commission and it doesn't cost you any extra. Thank you for visiting.
Mosser Jade 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set Circulon Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Pan
Leave a Review