Description
This classic Irish Soda Bread recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, you can create a delicious, hearty bread that pairs wonderfully with butter or jam. Baked to golden perfection in about 45 minutes, this bread offers a soft interior with a crisp crust, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds until the dough is smooth but not overworked.
- Shape & Score: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” on the top of the loaf; this allows the bread to expand properly while baking.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam for a comforting treat.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh buttermilk at room temperature.
- Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread light and tender.
- Scoring the dough deeply is important as it helps the bread bake evenly and rise.
- Soda bread is best eaten the same day but can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer, add raisins or caraway seeds for extra flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish