Description
You will learn to make authentic Irish soda bread quickly. This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires no yeast, giving you a tender crumb and a crisp crust in under an hour. It is the perfect base for adding your favorite savory or sweet mix-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk all at once.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to quickly mix until just combined into a soft, sticky dough. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3 or 4 times to form a round loaf shape.
- Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is dark golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For a softer crumb, use cold buttermilk.
- To check if it is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.
- If you substitute yogurt for buttermilk, thin it slightly with water to match the buttermilk consistency.
- For savory bread, mix 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs into the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg