Rustic round Irish soda bread with cross cut and slices with butter.
Irish soda bread is quick, rustic, and perfect when you want fresh bread fast.
Buttermilk + baking soda is the rise trick, so there’s no yeast and no waiting.
Slice warm and add butter… it’s hard to stop.
Why You’ll Love This Irish Soda Bread
- No yeast: Quick rise.
- Beginner-friendly: Simple mixing.
- Cozy side: Great with soup and stew.
- Fast: About 1 hour total.
- Rustic look: Bakery-style loaf.
Ingredients for Irish Soda Bread
- Flour (4 cups), sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons), salt (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Cold butter (4 tablespoons) cubed
- Buttermilk (1 3/4 cups)
How to Make Irish Soda Bread
- 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet.
- 2. Whisk dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter to coarse crumbs.
- 3. Stir in buttermilk just until dough forms. Shape into a round.
- 4. Score a deep cross. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread
- Don’t overmix (keeps it tender).
- Use fresh baking soda.
- Score deep for even rise.
- Cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add raisins if you want a sweeter loaf.
- Add seeds on top.
- Swap 1 cup flour for whole wheat.
- Add orange zest for brightness.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Room temp: 3 days. Freeze: 2 months. Toast slices for best day-two texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Butter and jam.
- With corned beef and cabbage.
- With stew or soup.
Recipe Card
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Reader Review: Shockingly easy and so good warm with butter. Perfect crust!
Leave a rating if you bake it. Sweet with jam or savory with stew?