Traditional 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
Units
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- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Form the Dough:
- Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/traditional-irish-soda-bread/