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Traditional Irish Soda Bread

A quick and simple Irish soda bread recipe made without yeast, featuring a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for various meals.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 3.5 cups 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.75 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet ingredients
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups buttermilk Use cold buttermilk for best results.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
  3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until combined.
  4. Lightly flour a work surface, pour out the dough, and knead gently 4 times to bring it together.
  5. Shape into a round loaf and transfer to the baking sheet.
  6. Sprinkle the top with flour and score a large X with a knife.
Baking
  1. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 400°F, rotate the pan, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slice thick and serve with butter and jam, or alongside soups and stews. Over-kneading will make the bread tough, so knead gently.