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Classic and Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe (No Yeast Needed)

A loaf of freshly baked soda bread, cut open to show the soft interior and golden crust.
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Make this traditional Irish Soda Bread with simple pantry ingredients. It bakes quickly, resulting in a crusty exterior and a soft, tender interior, perfect alongside soup or with butter.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If using, whisk in the sugar now.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk all at once.
  4. Use a fork or your hands to quickly mix the ingredients until just combined into a shaggy dough. Do not overmix; a sticky dough is fine.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3 or 4 times—just enough to bring it together into a round loaf shape.
  6. Place the dough round onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about 1 inch deep) into the top of the loaf.
  7. Brush the top of the loaf lightly with the melted butter.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 3/4 cups of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • For a sweeter, more traditional loaf, you can add 1 cup of raisins or currants to the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk.
  • This bread is best eaten the day it is baked for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/easy-irish-soda-bread-recipe/