Make this classic Irish soda bread easily. This quick bread requires no yeast and mixes up fast. It is perfect for beginners and creates a tender crumb with a crisp crust. Use this as a base for savory additions like cheese or herbs.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:1 loaf (8 servings)
Category:Bread
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Irish
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour in the buttermilk all at once.
Mix gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; a shaggy dough is correct.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Quickly shape the dough into a round loaf, about 2 inches high.
Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Score a deep cross into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a crisper crust, you can brush the top lightly with buttermilk before baking.
If you prefer a sweeter bread, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients.
If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1.5 cups of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
For savory variations, knead in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) just before shaping the loaf.