Description
Traditional Irish Soda Bread is a rustic, hearty bread made with simple ingredients and no yeast. This quick bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent, delivering a dense yet tender crumb with a crisp crust. Perfectly golden and scored with a classic ‘X’ on top, it pairs beautifully with butter or jam and is a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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 grease a baking sheet to prepare for baking the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir using a spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms. It’s normal for the dough to feel wet and sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the sticky dough gently onto the greased baking sheet. Form it into a round loaf shape. Using a sharp knife, score a deep ‘X’ on top of the loaf to ensure even cooking and to give the bread its traditional look.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- 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 for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Be sure not to overmix the dough; stir just until combined to avoid a tough bread.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- For a traditional touch, you can add raisins or caraway seeds to the dough if desired.
- Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean towel or paper bag to keep the crust crisp.
- This bread is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
