Irish Soda Bread
A classic, crusty Irish-American soda bread with a soft, dense crumb, made without yeast. This incredibly easy recipe uses the chemical magic of buttermilk and baking soda for its rise, perfect for slathering with butter and serving alongside a hearty stew or for a simple breakfast.
For 8 servings
9 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. (Time: 2 minutes)
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt to combine them evenly. (Time: 1 minute)
- 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. (Time: 3 minutes)
- 4
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients
- a.Pour in the cold buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg. (Time: 1 minute)
- 5
Step 5
- a.Use a fork or a spatula to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. (Time: 1 minute)
- 6
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
- a.Gently knead it just 4-5 times to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Shape it into a round loaf, about 1.5 inches thick and 7 inches in diameter. (Time: 2 minutes)
- 7
Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet
- a.Using a sharp, floured knife, cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) on the top of the loaf. This helps the center cook through. (Time: 30 seconds)
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. To be certain, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 190-200°F (88-93°C). (Time: 45 minutes)
- 9
Step 9
- a.Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly and prevents it from being gummy. (Time: 30 seconds active time)
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Work quickly and with cold ingredients (butter, buttermilk, egg). This prevents the butter from melting and helps create a more tender crumb.
- 2Do not overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together. Over-kneading develops gluten, which will result in a tough, chewy bread instead of a tender one.
- 3The 'X' on top isn't just for tradition; it allows heat to penetrate the dense center of the loaf, ensuring it bakes evenly.
- 4If you don't have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1.75 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
- 5For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- 6Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
Traditional Rustic Style
For a more authentic Irish soda bread, omit the sugar, butter, and egg. This version is denser with a harder crust, perfect for dipping in stews.
Sweet 'Spotted Dog' VersionSweet 'Spotted Dog' Version
Add 1 cup of raisins or dried currants and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the dry ingredients for a classic sweet variation.
Whole Wheat LoafWhole Wheat Loaf
Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, denser texture, and added fiber.
Savory Herb BreadSavory Herb Bread
Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives, and 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
The all-purpose flour provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this bread a satisfying and energizing snack or side dish.
Source of Protein
With contributions from the flour, buttermilk, and egg, each slice offers a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Provides Calcium
Buttermilk is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Irish Soda Bread (approximately 1/8th of the loaf) contains around 290-320 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.