Description
This amazingly easy Irish soda bread recipe offers a quick and traditional way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal ingredients and effort. With a delightfully crisp crust and tender crumb, this soda bread is perfect for serving warm with butter or jam, embodying a classic Irish favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring, mixing until a soft dough forms that holds together but remains slightly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth, being careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape & Score: Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep “X” across the top of the loaf; this helps the bread to bake evenly and creates its traditional look.
- Bake: Place the dough into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam for a comforting treat.
Notes
- Use fresh baking soda to ensure proper rising.
- Do not overknead the dough to keep the bread light and tender.
- Scoring the loaf helps it cook evenly and gives it the traditional soda bread appearance.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for best flavor.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
