Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Hey there my friend 👋. This is the easiest Irish soda bread recipe you will ever find. No yeast, no waiting around—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

And the best part? I’ll show you a simple trick that makes the crust perfectly crisp while keeping the inside soft. Let’s get into it.

Utensils You Need

These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Baking sheet
5. Parchment paper
6. Sharp knife
7. Cooling rack

Important Info

• Servings: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
• Estimated Cost: Around $5 for the whole loaf
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Method: Baking
• Season: Anytime
• Courses: Side Dish, Breakfast, Snack
• Cuisine: Irish
• Diets: VegetarianDiet

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this bread and how to make it.

Ingredients You Need

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Alternative Ingredients

If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.

Ingredient	Alternative
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat flour
Buttermilk	1 ¾ cups milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar
Baking soda	1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda.
3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until it forms a dough.
4. Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for about a minute. Don’t over-knead—it should be soft.
5. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the baking sheet.
6. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” on top. This helps the bread bake evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Let it cool on a rack before slicing.

Helpful Tips

1. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour.
2. Cutting a deep “X” prevents the center from staying raw.
3. If you like a softer crust, wrap the warm bread in a clean towel after baking.

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread

This bread goes well with soups, stews, or just butter and jam. You can also enjoy it with cheese or honey.

How Do You Serve the Recipe?

Slice it up and serve it warm. A serrated knife works best for cutting. You can toast it for extra crispiness.

Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?

This is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. It’s great for St. Patrick’s Day or a simple homemade treat any day of the year.

Storage

Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)

• Wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel and keep it in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration

• If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Warm it in the oven before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Irish soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can mix 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have a buttermilk substitute.

Why does my soda bread come out too dense?

You may have over-kneaded the dough. Mix just until combined to keep it light and soft.

How do I know when Irish soda bread is done baking?

Tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. You can also check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

Can I add raisins or other mix-ins?

Yes, you can add raisins, nuts, or even cheese for extra flavor. Just mix them in before adding the buttermilk.

Is Irish soda bread sweet or savory?

It’s more on the savory side, but you can add a little sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.

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