I am excited to share my version of this Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe. Using a few staples including 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, I crafted an authentic Irish creation that remains true to its roots and pays tribute to Irish cooking.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve been perfecting my version of an Original Irish Soda Bread recipe for a while now and I’m excited to finally share it with you. I tried keeping it completely authentic with only a handful of ingredients like 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 3/4 cups buttermilk to build an incredible rise.

While some might call it a modern take on Traditional Irish Soda Bread, I can’t help but think how its simplicity ties it to classic Irish Dinner Recipes and even nods to those festive St Patricks Food traditions. This recipe has evolved from memories of Irish cooking sessions and touches of Irish Desserts flair that make it unexpectedly versatile.

Its step-by-step guide, complete with photos, ensures that even someone like me who sometimes gets a bit messy in the kitchen can produce an authentic loaf of Irish Bread without much hassle. Enjoy the adventure in baking!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple and I can use ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen. I like how the instructions are really clear and easy to follow, so I’m not intimidated by any fancy steps. I love that it’s an authentic Irish soda bread which makes me feel like I’m cooking something real traditional and homey. And on top of that, the bread always comes out with a crunchy crust on the outside and a soft, warm inside that makes every bite so satisfying.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Here is a take on what makes the bread tick.

I love how each ingredient do its own job in giving this recipe its character and flavor.

All-purpose flour offers carbohydrates and structure ensuring a tender, hearty bread.
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent making the bread rise with a light crumb.
Salt enhances flavor and balances the ingredients, slightly boosting overall taste.
Buttermilk gives a tangy acidity that activates baking soda and adds moisture to the bread.

Each component works together to create a comforting loaf full of character and rustic charm.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups buttermilk

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.

2. In a large bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

3. Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk.

4. Stir gently with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. Don’t over mix, it need not be perfectly smooth.

5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and quickly shape it into a round loaf.

6. Place the loaf onto your prepared baking sheet and using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross in the top of the dough.

7. Put the bread in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

9. Enjoy your rustic Irish Soda Bread with butter or your favorite jam.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 425°F)
2. Baking sheet or cast iron skillet (lightly greased)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. A floured work surface
7. Sharp knife (for cutting a deep cross on the dough)
8. Toothpick (to check if the bread is done)
9. Wire rack (for cooling the bread)

FAQ

What makes Irish Soda Bread different from regular bread?

Irish Soda Bread uses baking soda as the leavening agent instead of yeast, so its dough is mixed just a few times and it rises quickly without long proofing times.

Can I use a dairy substitute if I dont have buttermilk?

Yes, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to get that tangy flavor.

How should I mix the dough so it doesn't get tough?

Just mix everything until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can cause the bread to be dense, so stop as soon as it forms a rough ball.

What is the best way to check if the bread is done?

The bread should be golden on the outside and when you tap the bottom it sounds a bit hollow. Using a toothpick can also help check if the inside is fully baked.

How long does Irish Soda Bread stay fresh?

It is best eaten fresh out of the oven but if you store it in an airtight container it lasts for about a day or two. You can also wrap it in foil and reheat it later.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For 4 cups of all-purpose flour, you could mix in some whole wheat flour (like 2 cups whole wheat and 2 cups all-purpose) to add a bit more nutty flavour even though it might make the bread denser
If you don’t have 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you can try 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder instead but keep in mind the rise might be a bit different
Instead of 1 teaspoon of salt, you can use an equal measure of sea salt or kosher salt, just adjust a little to taste if you’re worried about it being too salty
For the 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk, you can blend 1 3/4 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes so it thickens a bit like real buttermilk

Pro Tips

1. Don’t overwork the dough when you stir the buttermilk into the flour mix. A few lumps is okay and it helps keep your bread tender instead of becoming tough.

2. For an extra crispy crust, try preheating your baking sheet or cast iron skillet in the oven before putting the dough on it. It may seem extra step but it really gives a nice crunch.

3. When you score the bread, be careful but don’t worry about making it perfect. The deep cut is there to let the bread expand as it bakes, so a little unevenness wont ruin it.

4. After baking, let the bread cool on the rack for at least 15 minutes. Slicing too early can make it all gummy, so be patient even if you’re super hungry.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

239

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (preheated to 425°F)
2. Baking sheet or cast iron skillet (lightly greased)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Wooden spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. A floured work surface
7. Sharp knife (for cutting a deep cross on the dough)
8. Toothpick (to check if the bread is done)
9. Wire rack (for cooling the bread)

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.
In a large bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk.
Stir gently with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. Don't over mix, it need not be perfectly smooth.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and quickly shape it into a round loaf.
Place the loaf onto your prepared baking sheet and using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross in the top of the dough.
Put the bread in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your rustic Irish Soda Bread with butter or your favorite jam.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.