This Traditional Irish Soda Bread is super simple to make and perfect for any meal! With just four ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk—it comes together in no time.
I love how quick it is to bake this bread. The gentle crunch on the outside and soft inside make it a great partner for soups or just some butter. Trust me, you’ll want to spread that butter on thick! 🧈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. If you want a heartier texture, you can substitute some of it with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the bread might be denser.
Baking soda: This is essential for the bread’s rise. If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder but you’ll need to adjust the quantities. For every teaspoon of baking soda, use about three teaspoons of baking powder instead.
Salt: Adding salt enhances flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to reduce the amount or use a salt substitute, but don’t skip it entirely for the best taste.
Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps with the rising process. If you don’t have it, mix a cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will mimic buttermilk.
How Do You Knead Dough Without Overworking It?
Kneading is a simple but crucial step for soda bread. Here, the goal is to develop just enough gluten without toughening the bread. Follow these steps to get it right:
- Flour your work surface lightly before turning out the dough. This will prevent sticking.
- Gently fold the dough over onto itself, then press down with your palms. Turn it slightly, and repeat. Do this for about one minute.
- Avoid vigorous kneading; the dough should be mixed just enough to come together into a ball.
Remember, the less you handle it, the softer your bread will be!
Traditional Easy Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Total time is approximately 45-50 minutes, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool before slicing. It’s a quick and easy bread you can enjoy any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, take a baking sheet and grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until they are well mixed. This step is important for evenly distributing the baking soda and salt throughout the bread.
3. Combine with Buttermilk:
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, stir the mixture gently until it starts to come together. You want it to be a bit shaggy but not too dry.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute. You’re just looking to form it into a cohesive ball, so be careful not to over-knead as that can make the bread tough.
5. Shape the Loaf:
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on your prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) on the top of the bread. This allows the heat to get into the bread for even baking.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pop the bread in your preheated oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This cooling time helps it finish setting up and makes it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm Irish soda bread with a pat of butter for a delicious treat! If you prefer, you can let it cool completely for later use.
Enjoy baking your delicious Irish soda bread!
Can I Substitute Regular Milk for Buttermilk?
Yes, you can! To make a homemade substitute for buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and fill it up with regular milk until it reaches 1 3/4 cups. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Irish Soda Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Can I Add Ingredients Like Raisins or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in about 1 cup of raisins, currants, or chopped nuts with the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk. This adds a delightful twist to your soda bread!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and your hands while kneading. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as that can make the bread dense. A little stickiness is okay!
