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Authentic Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Authentic Irish Soda Bread Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rustic Irish soda bread delivers pure comfort from Ireland’s hearty kitchens, blending simple ingredients into a crusty, warm loaf. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with traditional flavors that connect generations of bakers through one delicious slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups buttermilk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Fat Component:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 425F (220C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Form a shallow crater in the center of the dry mixture, then pour in buttermilk and melted butter.
  4. Gently blend ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, shaggy dough emerges.
  5. Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and softly fold together, handling minimally to maintain tenderness.
  6. Mold the mixture into a compact circular loaf approximately two inches thick, ensuring uniform shape.
  7. Position the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and score a deep cross pattern across the top surface using a sharp knife.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing, allowing the bread to settle and develop optimal texture.

Notes

  • Dust the surface with flour sparingly to prevent the dough from becoming tough and dense.
  • Use fresh buttermilk for the most authentic tangy flavor and best rising potential.
  • Score the X deeply and boldly across the top to help the bread expand evenly during baking and create a classic rustic look.
  • Allow the bread to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to maintain its structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg