A classic Irish soda bread with a golden crust and a tender crumb, this rustic, no-yeast bread is perfect for serving with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty stew. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a staple of Irish cuisine and a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast Required – Baking soda and buttermilk give this bread its rise.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour, with minimal kneading required.
- Authentic & Traditional – A classic Irish recipe with simple ingredients.
- Versatile – Serve with butter, jam, or as a side to soups and stews.
- Golden Crust, Soft Inside – The contrast of a crisp crust and tender interior makes it irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- salt
- buttermilk
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Buttermilk
- Gradually pour in buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about 30 seconds—just enough to bring it together.
5. Shape the Loaf
- Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Score the Dough
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” across the top. This helps the bread bake evenly.
7. Bake the Bread
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool & Serve
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter or jam, or alongside stews and soups.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Whole Wheat Version – Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Sweet Irish Soda Bread – Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ cup of raisins for a lightly sweetened loaf.
- Seeded Soda Bread – Mix in caraway seeds, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based buttermilk (combine 1 ¾ cups almond milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes).
- Herb & Cheese Twist – Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary for a savory variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or toast slices before serving.
FAQs
What makes Irish soda bread rise?
Baking soda reacts with the acidity in buttermilk, creating air bubbles that make the bread rise.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit for 10 minutes.
Why is there no yeast in Irish soda bread?
Traditional Irish soda bread is a quick bread that relies on baking soda for leavening instead of yeast.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I knead the dough longer for a smoother texture?
No—over-kneading develops gluten and makes the bread tough. Keep kneading to a minimum.
Why do I need to cut an “X” on top of the bread?
The deep “X” helps the bread bake evenly and prevents cracking. Traditionally, it was also said to “let the fairies escape”!
What’s the best way to serve Irish soda bread?
Enjoy it warm with butter, jam, honey, or alongside stews and soups like Guinness Beef Stew.
Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes! Baking in a cast iron skillet helps create an even crust and retains heat well.
Is Irish soda bread supposed to be dense?
Yes, it has a hearty, slightly dense texture with a soft crumb inside.
Can I make mini soda bread loaves?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
Traditional Irish Soda Bread is a quick, easy, and rustic bread that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or everyday baking. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and simple ingredients, it pairs beautifully with butter, soups, or hearty stews. Whether you’re making it for a festive celebration or just want a homemade bread in under an hour, this recipe is a must-try!
O
PrintTraditional Irish Soda Bread
A classic, rustic Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, made with simple ingredients and no yeast. Perfect for serving with butter or alongside a hearty stew—a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Form the Dough:
- Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
-
Knead & Shape:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds, just until it comes together.
- Shape into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Score & Bake:
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” across the top of the dough.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
-
Cool & Serve:
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or alongside a stew!
Notes
- Don’t over-knead! The dough should be slightly sticky but not overworked.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1¾ cups milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (let sit for 5 minutes).
- For a sweeter version, add 2 tbsp sugar and ½ cup raisins.