Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irish Soda Bread is a traditional, no-yeast bread known for its crusty exterior and dense, tender crumb. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is perfect with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews. This versatile bread is both easy and satisfying, making it a staple for any occasion.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
buttermilk
granulated sugar (optional)
raisins or currants (optional)
unsalted butter (optional, for added richness)

directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Stir in the sugar and raisins or currants if using.

Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until it forms a cohesive ball—do not over-knead.

Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared baking sheet or skillet.

Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” across the top.

Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8 servings).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add caraway seeds for a traditional flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a rustic touch.
Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a sweeter version.
Add shredded cheese and herbs for a savory twist.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes or toast individual slices.

FAQs

Why doesn’t Irish Soda Bread use yeast?
It uses baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents, making it quicker to prepare.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Is sugar necessary?
No, it’s optional—use it only if you prefer a slightly sweet loaf.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.

Why cut an “X” on top?
It helps the bread bake evenly and is a traditional Irish custom.

What’s the texture like?
It’s dense but soft inside with a crusty exterior.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
You can, but a round free-form loaf is traditional and bakes more evenly.

Why is my loaf too hard?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness—stick to the recommended times.

Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans work well with the raisins.

Is this bread good the next day?
Yes, it’s great toasted with butter or jam.

Conclusion

Irish Soda Bread is a hearty, no-fuss recipe that brings together simplicity and tradition in every bite. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted the next morning, it’s a comforting bread that’s always welcome at the table.

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