Traditional Irish Soda Bread
This classic Irish soda bread is made with just four simple ingredients—no yeast required! A golden, crusty loaf with a tender crumb that’s perfect for soups, stews, or slathered in butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–50 minutes (based on recipe notes)
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (6–8 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups (580g) all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (470ml) cold buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease well. You may also use an 8″ cake pan or oven-proof skillet.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add buttermilk: Stir in cold buttermilk just until the dough becomes too stiff to stir.
Knead: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead 5–10 times until the flour is moistened and the dough holds together.
Shape the dough: Form into an 8″ round loaf. Place on the prepared pan.
Score the top: Use a sharp knife to cut a ¼–½” deep “X” on the top of the dough.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and read 195°F (90°C) at the center on an instant-read thermometer.
Cool and serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Best served fresh, but can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze for 2–3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil.
Buttermilk substitution: To make your own, combine 2 tablespoons white vinegar or fresh lemon juice with milk to equal 2 cups. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
Do not substitute buttermilk with plain milk—its acidity is essential to the rise and flavor.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/traditional-irish-soda-bread/
