Description
This traditional Irish Soda Bread is a simple, no-yeast bread made with basic pantry ingredients. Using baking soda and buttermilk for leavening, it bakes into a crusty, tender loaf with a rich, tangy flavor. Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for breakfast, alongside hearty soups, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.
Ingredients
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
(Optional) 2 tablespoons sugar
(Optional) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(Optional) ½ cup (75g) raisins or currants
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust it with flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center. Pour in most of the buttermilk, along with optional sugar or butter. Stir until dough begins to form. Add remaining buttermilk as needed.
Shape the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Bring together gently—do not knead. Form a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) wide.
Score the Dough: Place dough on the baking sheet. Cut a deep cross across the top (about ½ inch deep).
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes more, until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use fresh baking soda for best rise.
Do not overmix; soda bread should be rustic, not smooth.
Store wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
For richer flavor, brush the top with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ loaf)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Irish Soda Bread, Traditional Irish Bread, Quick Bread, No Yeast Bread, Buttermilk Bread, Easy Bread Recipe