Easy Irish Soda Bread

Course: bread

Cuisine: Continental, International, Irish

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 50

Servings: servings

Calories: 228kcal

Author: Nikole Berg

This traditional Easy Irish Soda Bread is a great 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!

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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.

Nutrition