Description
This traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe is a quick and easy bread made without yeast, relying on baking soda as a leavening agent. The bread has a dense, hearty texture with a golden crust and is perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven with butter or your favorite spread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. The dough will be moist and somewhat wet, which is expected.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the sticky dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf. Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” on the top of the dough to allow for even baking and expansion.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf turns golden brown. Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread; it should sound hollow.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with butter or your preferred spread.
Notes
- For a slightly richer flavor, use homemade buttermilk or add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough.
- Make sure to score the top deeply to help the bread expand properly during baking.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be toasted the next day for a crisp exterior.
