Name: Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (420 g); 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3 g); 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (337 g)

Freshly baked Traditional Irish Soda Bread on a wooden table

Jump to Recipe

why make this recipe

Making traditional Irish soda bread is a delightful way to connect with Irish culture and enjoy a taste of history. This bread is simple to prepare, requires few ingredients, and is incredibly satisfying to eat. It has a warm, hearty texture that pairs perfectly with butter, soups, or stews. Plus, it’s a great recipe for beginners because it doesn’t require any yeast or long rising times.

how to make Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (420 g)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (3 g)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (337 g)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
Using a wooden spoon, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the buttermilk into the well.
Gently stir the ingredients together using the wooden spoon, starting in the center and working your way out. The dough will be very shaggy, and that is okay!
Lightly flour a work surface and pour the shaggy dough out onto the surface. Knead the dough gently about four times until it comes together, creating a slightly smoother surface.
Shape the dough into a round loaf with the palms of your hands.
Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle the top with flour.
Use a sharp chef’s knife to slash a large X on the top of the dough.
Place the loaf in the oven right away and bake for 15 minutes at 450°F. Then, lower the temperature to 400°F, rotate the pan 180°, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the bread is deeply golden brown.
Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving warm with Kerrygold Salted Butter.

how to serve Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish soda bread is best served warm. You can slice it and spread it with butter for a simple yet delicious treat. It’s also fantastic alongside a bowl of soup or stew, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

how to store Traditional Irish Soda Bread

To store leftover traditional Irish soda bread, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place it in a bread box or an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

tips to make Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality buttermilk for the best flavor.
Don’t over-kneed the dough; a few gentle kneads are all you need to bring it together.
If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a bit more flour as you work with it.
Always preheat your oven to ensure a good rise and crust.

variation

You can add raisins or caraway seeds to the dough for a sweet or savory twist. Simply mix in about 1 cup of raisins or 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds when combining the dry ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour before using it in the recipe.

2. What should I do if my bread is too dense?
Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Avoid packing it into the measuring cup, as this can lead to adding too much flour, which makes the bread dense.

3. Can I make soda bread with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture and taste slightly. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.