Easy Irish Soda Bread
Unlike yeasted breads that require hours of rising and kneading, this bread comes together quickly, thanks to the magic of baking soda.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Optional Add-Ins (for a little extra flavor):
- 2 tablespoons sugar if you like a slightly sweet touch
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing the top
- ½ cup raisins or currants
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
- Pro Tip: Preheating ensures the bread gets a nice rise and a golden crust—don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- If you like a slightly sweet bread, add 2 tablespoons of sugar here.
- Whisk together until evenly distributed.
- Pro Tip: Give the baking soda a quick check—fresh soda gives a better rise, so make sure it’s not clumpy or old.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix the dough until it comes together.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients
- If using raisins or currants, fold them gently into the dough.
- You can also add a little extra butter here if you like a richer loaf.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently shape it into a round loaf about 7–8 inches in diameter.
- Place the loaf on your prepared baking sheet or skillet.
- Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” on top of the loaf.
- Pro Tip: Scoring helps the bread expand properly and gives it that classic rustic look.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Optional: Brush the top with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
- Slice with a serrated knife for the best results.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite stew.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg