Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Freshly baked Traditional Irish Soda Bread with a golden crust, deep rustic cracks, and a soft, airy interior. Displayed on a linen cloth with butter in the background. Recipe available at FoodForYourGood.com — Traditional Irish Soda Bread – A classic, no-yeast bread with a crisp crust and tender inside. Find the easy recipe now on FoodForYourGood.com

Traditional Irish Soda Bread: A No-Fuss, Golden Crust Classic

If you love quick, homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft, tender crumb, this Traditional Irish Soda Bread is about to become your new favorite. It’s easy, no-knead, and yeast-free, meaning you can whip it up in under an hour! Whether you’re serving it warm with butter, dipping it into a hearty stew, or pairing it with jam for breakfast, this rustic loaf never disappoints.

A Slice of History

Soda bread dates back to the 1800s when Irish households needed a simple, reliable bread that could be made with just a few ingredients. Thanks to baking soda and buttermilk, the dough rises beautifully without yeast, making it an instant staple in Irish kitchens. Today, it’s still cherished for its hearty flavor and easy prep.

So, whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this fail-proof recipe will have your kitchen smelling like an Irish bakery in no time. Let’s bake!

Recipe Yield: 1 loaf (serves 6–8)

INGREDIENTS

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
one tsp salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or make your own: mix 1 ¾ cups milk with 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 10 minutes)
1 tbsp honey (for a hint of sweetness)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk (or substitute) and honey, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it looks a little messy!

4. Shape & Score: Lightly flour your hands, then turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round disc about 2 inches thick. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a deep “X” on top—this helps it bake evenly.

5. Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cool & Enjoy: Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with Irish butter, jam, or alongside your favorite stew!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Cold Buttermilk is Key – The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda, creating that classic soda bread rise. Keep it cold for the best texture!
Don’t Overwork the Dough – A light hand keeps the bread tender. Overmixing will make it dense and tough.
No Buttermilk? No Problem! – Use 1 ¾ cup milk + 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar as an easy DIY substitute for that signature tang and rise.

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