Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
A classic, hearty bread with a golden crust and soft, tender crumb. This no-yeast bread relies on baking soda and buttermilk for leavening, making it quick and easy to prepare. Perfect with butter, soups, or stews.
Ingredients
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4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp salt
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1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk
Optional Add-ins:
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2 tbsp sugar (for a slightly sweet version)
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1 cup raisins or currants (for a traditional slightly sweet bread)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add sugar and dried fruit if using. -
Add Buttermilk:
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and mix with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. -
Knead Lightly:
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes. Do not over-knead. -
Shape the Dough:
Form the dough into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” on top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly. -
Bake:
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Cool:
Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Equipment
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Large mixing bowl
-
Whisk or spoon
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Baking sheet
-
Parchment paper (optional)
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Sharp knife
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Wire rack
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
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Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Serving Size
Serves 8
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 4 cups 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups 420 ml buttermilk
- Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tbsp sugar for a slightly sweet version
- 1 cup raisins or currants for a traditional slightly sweet bread
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add sugar and dried fruit if using.
- Add Buttermilk:
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and mix with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead Lightly:
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes. Do not over-knead.
- Shape the Dough:
- Form the dough into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” on top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?
Yes. Substitute 1 3/4 cups milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice added and let sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes. You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
Why do I need to score an “X” on top?
The “X” allows steam to escape, helping the bread cook evenly and creating the traditional appearance.
Can I add dried fruit or seeds?
Yes. Raisins, currants, sunflower seeds, or caraway seeds are traditional add-ins and enhance flavor.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and bake immediately. Soda bread is best eaten the same day for optimal texture.
Can I freeze soda bread?
Yes. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. The crust should be golden brown.
Can I make mini soda breads?
Yes. Shape smaller loaves and reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Can I make a sweet soda bread?
Yes. Add 2–4 tbsp sugar and dried fruits like raisins or currants for a slightly sweet version.
What’s the best way to serve soda bread?
Serve warm with butter, alongside soups, stews, or jams. It’s delicious toasted too.
How To Store Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Room Temperature:
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Wrap in a clean kitchen towel or place in a paper bag to keep the crust crisp.
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Store for 1–2 days.
Refrigerator:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Note: crust may soften.
Freezer:
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Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Thaw at room temperature before serving.
