Rustic, quick, and comforting
Irish soda bread is a classic, no-yeast bread that’s simple, hearty, and wonderfully comforting. With a crisp golden crust and tender crumb, this traditional loaf comes together in minutes using pantry staples—no kneading or rising required. It’s perfect alongside soups, stews, or enjoyed warm with butter and jam. Busy home bakers love this easy soda bread recipe because it’s reliable, fast, and beginner-friendly. If you want homemade bread without the wait, this Irish soda bread is a timeless favorite worth saving.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (8 slices)
📝 Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, traditional versions may omit)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1¾ cups buttermilk (cold)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Baking sheet or cast-iron skillet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Sharp knife
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly flour it 😊
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar (if using), and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk: Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
- Shape the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf—do not overwork it.
- Score the top: Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” across the top 🍞
- Bake: Place loaf in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool slightly: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips
- Tender crumb: Handle the dough as little as possible.
- No buttermilk? Mix 1¾ cups milk with 1½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; let sit 5 minutes.
- Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months.