Description
Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread is a traditional rustic bread that comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. This no-yeast loaf is lightly tangy from buttermilk and has a crisp golden crust with a soft, tender interior. Perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side with soups and stews.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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 to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt ensuring they are well combined for even rising.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring to form a soft dough that just comes together.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes smooth without overworking it.
- Shape & Score: Form the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep “X” on top to allow steam to escape during baking and help the bread expand.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter or jam for a traditional treat.
Notes
- Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread tender rather than tough.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic acidity.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated for best crust development.
- The scoring pattern is essential for the bread to rise evenly and develop its characteristic shape.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
