Description
Irish Soda Bread is a classic quick bread that requires no yeast and comes together easily with simple ingredients. This traditional recipe yields a hearty and slightly dense loaf with a crusty exterior, perfect for enjoying with butter or alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (optional for a slightly richer flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar if using. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Form into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Cut a deep “X” on top of the dough. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a more traditional version, omit sugar and butter.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or currants for a slightly sweet variation.
- Best enjoyed fresh with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
