Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread a classic, no-yeast Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or alongside soups and stews. This quick bread comes together in no time, using just four simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or anyone who wants fresh homemade bread without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
No yeast required – No waiting for dough to rise, just mix and bake.
Simple ingredients – Just four pantry staples make a rustic and delicious loaf.
Perfect texture – Crisp crust with a soft, slightly dense interior.
Versatile – Great with butter and jam or served alongside a hearty stew.
Quick to make – Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not overly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds, just until smooth.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” on top of the dough.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or jam.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations
Sweet Version: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ cup of raisins or currants for a lightly sweetened loaf.
Herb and Cheese: Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Whole Wheat: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free buttermilk by mixing 1 ¾ cups of almond milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but be aware that refrigeration can dry it out.
Freezer: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster, oven (350°F for 5-10 minutes), or microwave for a few seconds.
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FAQs
How do I know when Irish soda bread is fully baked?
I tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. The crust should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Why do I need to score the top of the bread?
Scoring helps the bread expand evenly while baking and prevents it from cracking randomly. Plus, the traditional “X” shape is believed to let the fairies out!
Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes! I make a quick substitute by mixing 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What’s the best way to serve Irish soda bread?
I love serving it warm with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty soup or stew. It’s also great toasted with a drizzle of honey.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! I use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture. The dough may be slightly more crumbly, but it still works well.
Conclusion
This amazingly easy Irish soda bread is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss homemade bread. With its simple ingredients and rustic charm, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether served with breakfast, alongside a meal, or enjoyed as a snack. Try out different variations to make it your own, and enjoy the comforting taste of freshly baked bread in under an hour.
📖 Recipe:
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Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Amazingly easy Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb—ready in under an hour! This no-yeast quick bread requires just four simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers. Enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Buttermilk – Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough – Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds, just until smooth.
- Shape & Score – Form the dough into a round loaf, place it on the prepared baking sheet, and score a deep “X” on top.
- Bake – Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or jam.
Notes
Sweet Variation – Add 2 tbsp sugar and ½ cup raisins or currants.
Savory Twist – Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme.
Whole Wheat Option – Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
Dairy-Free – Use almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 180 kcal
