Description
This traditional Irish Soda Bread is a simple, rustic loaf made without yeast, relying on baking soda for leavening. With a crisp crust and tender crumb, it’s perfect for pairing with butter, jam, or a hearty stew.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
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- Pour in the buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be shaggy and sticky.
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- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
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- Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if using).
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- Using a dull knife or scorer, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly.
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- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- For a softer crust, wrap the hot loaf in a clean towel while cooling.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice, Approx. 1/8 Loaf
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg (if using whole milk buttermilk)