This Easy Irish Soda Bread is a fast way to get homemade bread on the table-even on a weeknight! This version isn't sweet and is made with buttermilk. No yeast and no kneading required!
Why You'll want to make it
It's quick and easy! If you're a bread lover like me, then you'll be amazed at how easily this homemade recipe is to make. No yeast and no kneading required!
It's made with easy to find fresh and pantry ingredients. You probably already have these four--yes I said four, simple ingredients in your pantry. All you need is flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
You'll love the rustic texture and mild flavor because it goes with everything! It's especially good with soups like Corn and Potato Soup, Guinness Beef Stew, and this Homemade Tomato Basil Soup.
Ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 425º F. Line a dutch oven with parchment paper.
Add dry ingredients to a large bowl. Stir with a whisk to combine.
Slowly add buttermilk to flour mixture. Mix gently with a spoon or your hands. I like to start with a spoon then use my hands. This dough is very sticky and shaggy. If it's too dry add a little buttermilk-if it's too wet, add a bit more flour.
Form dough into a round shape, then transfer it to the parchment paper in the dutch oven.
With a sharp knife, cut a cross through the top of the bread being sure not to cut all the way to the bottom of the loaf.
I read that pricking the dough in each of the four sections made by the cross ensures that the fairies get out. Otherwise it will be jinxed and we don't want that!
Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes. The exterior should be crisp and golden brown.
Expert tips and variations
There's no need to use any oil or butter in the dutch oven or on the parchment paper.
Don't over mix or knead the dough. Handle it gently.
Do I need a dutch oven to make Irish Soda Bread? If you don't have a dutch oven with lid, you can use a baking sheet instead. Follow all the same steps except for baking it on a baking sheet lined with parchment. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a cake pan!
What does Irish Soda Bread taste like? The taste is mild with a dense and rustic texture. While it's good on it's own, it's meat to be eaten with butter (try an Irish butter like Kerrygold) jams, or hearty soups and stews.
If you'd like to sweeten it up, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 cup of raisins before forming the dough.
To keep fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a food storage bag. Bread will keep for a day or two. To freeze: wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place in freezer storage bag. Freeze for up to 2 - 3 months.
How do I reheat my Easy Irish Soda Bread? Unwrap plastic and wrap in foil. Place in pre-heated 325º F oven for 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw at room temperature first.
More Bread Recipes you may enjoy
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Planning a St. Patrick's Day Feast? Try these festive recipes
📖 Recipe
Easy Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour unbleached, all purpose
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and ½ cups buttermilk a few tablespoons more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Line a 5 quart dutch oven with parchment paper.
- Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl. Stir to combine. I like to use a whisk.
- Slowly add buttermilk.
- Mix gently with a spoon or your hands. Don’t over mix or your bread will be tough! Dough should be sticky and shaggy---it will stick to your fingers. If it’s dry, add more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Form dough into a round shape and place on parchment in the dutch oven.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a cross over the top of the dough. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough. Prick each section with knife.
- Cover and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Bread should be golden brown and have a crisp exterior.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Don't overmix or knead the dough or it will turn tough.
- There's no need to use any oil or butter in the dutch oven or on the parchment paper. Do I need a dutch oven to make Irish Soda Bread? If you don't have a dutch oven with lid, you can use a baking sheet instead. Follow all the same steps except for baking it on a baking sheet lined with parchment. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a cake pan!
- What does Irish Soda Bread taste like? The taste is mild with a dense and rustic texture. While it's good on it's own, it's meat to be eaten with butter (try an Irish butter like Kerrygold) jams, or hearty soups and stews.
- If you'd like to sweeten up the bread, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 cup of raisins before forming the dough.
- To keep the bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a food storage bag. Bread will keep for a day or two. To freeze: wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place in freezer storage bag. Freeze for up to 2 - 3 months.
- How do I reheat my Easy Irish Soda Bread? Unwrap plastic and wrap in foil. Place in pre-heated 325º F oven for 10 minutes. If frozen, thaw at room temperature first.
bee
Possibly my favorite bread. It's best eaten the day you bake it or toasted the next day!
Nikole
Thank you for your comment and tip!
Val
I can’t believe how easy this was to make. Goes great with soup.
Nikole
Yes! I love this bread with soup!