Description
Authentic Irish soda bread uses only four essential ingredients to create a tender, rustic loaf in under an hour. This simple recipe relies on the chemical reaction between baking soda and buttermilk, producing a beautifully golden, hearty bread without yeast, kneading, or rising time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Make a well in the center and gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn onto a floured surface and gently knead for 1 minute until it forms a rough ball.
- Shape into an 8-inch round loaf.
- Score a ½-inch deep cross on top using a sharp knife.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped; brush with melted butter if using.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Always score the top to ensure even baking and prevent cracking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 425mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Irish soda bread, authentic soda bread, 4 ingredient bread, traditional Irish recipes