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
Table of Contents
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- 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
Image Prompt:
- 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
Image Prompt:
- 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?