Get ready to transport your kitchen to the rolling green hills of Ireland with this incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Irish Soda Bread recipe! Unlike complicated bread-making techniques that require hours of rising and kneading, this traditional Irish classic comes together in just minutes, delivering a crusty, fragrant loaf that will have your family and friends begging for more. With the warm, nutty essence of caraway seeds and a tender, soft crumb, this bread is about to become your new go-to comfort food that requires zero bread-making expertise!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
- 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Gradually pour in the 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix the ingredients together until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times (about 5-6 times) to bring it together. Shape it into a round loaf, about
- 5 inches thick.
- Transfer the shaped loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking and gives it a traditional look.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the steam to escape and improves the texture of the bread.
- Serve the Irish soda bread warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy!
Tips
- Always use fresh baking soda to ensure your bread rises perfectly and has that signature light texture.
- Don't overwork the dough - mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread.
- Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature for the best integration with dry ingredients.
- The deep cross cut isn't just traditional - it helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.
- For extra richness, brush the top with melted butter right after baking for a golden, glossy finish.
- Store your soda bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
