Name: Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ¾ cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional); 1 cup raisins or currants (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Irish Soda Bread is one of those timeless recipes that grabs your heart as much as your taste buds. With a crisp, golden crust and a tender, slightly crumbly interior, this classic loaf brings comfort to any table. Whether you love it plain, sweetened with raisins, or with a pat of butter and a spoonful of jam, Irish Soda Bread always finds a way to make itself at home. Baked without yeast and ready in under an hour, it proves that even the simplest ingredients can yield something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Irish Soda Bread so delightful is its humble, straightforward ingredient list. Each component is chosen for its unique role in creating a hearty loaf with rustic charm and real flavor.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, this gives the loaf its structure and signature crumb.
Baking soda: This acts as the leavening agent, reacting with the acidity of the buttermilk for a nice lift.
Salt: It awakens all the flavors and balances the slight tang of the buttermilk.
Buttermilk: Absolutely essential for that classic texture and a mild, tangy flavor—don’t skip it!
Granulated sugar (optional): For just a whisper of sweetness—feel free to leave it out or adjust to taste.
Raisins or currants (optional): These bring bursts of chewy sweetness and lovely speckles of color to every slice.
Unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Brushing the loaf with butter creates an irresistible shine and softens the crust just a touch.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets the stage for your loaf and ensures easy clean-up later—plus, it helps prevent sticking so your Irish Soda Bread pops right off when it’s done.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is thoroughly combined; an even mix here means your loaf will rise properly and taste just right. If using raisins or currants, sprinkle them in now and toss them gently to distribute.

Step 3: Mix in the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently fold everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms. Avoid the urge to overmix; quick, light hands keep Irish Soda Bread tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Knead Very Briefly

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just until it comes together. This shouldn’t take more than a minute. The key to great Irish Soda Bread is minimal handling—working the dough too much will make it heavy.

Step 5: Shape, Score, and Butter

Gently shape the dough into a round loaf, then transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, score a deep “X” on the top; this classic touch helps the center cook evenly and looks gorgeous. Brush the top generously with melted butter for a glossy, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your loaf for 35–40 minutes, or until it’s deeply golden and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing—this little rest gives the crumb time to set and makes it easier to cut perfect slices. Best enjoyed warm!

How to Serve Irish Soda Bread

Garnishes

I love to top my warm Irish Soda Bread with a generous smear of salted butter. For a touch of sweetness, a spoonful of homemade berry jam or honey drizzle makes every bite sing. If you’re serving a savory meal, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top before baking adds instant charm and color.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural pairing with almost anything. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of soup or classic Irish stew to soak up the flavors, or add slices to your cheese platter for a rustic touch. At breakfast, it’s wonderful with scrambled eggs or sharp cheddar cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making smaller individual Irish Soda Bread rolls for brunch or an easy grab-and-go snack. You can also slice the loaf and toast it, serving with flavored butters or a spread of seasonal jams for guests. If you’re feeling fancy, shape the dough into a ring and dot with extra currants for a festive centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Irish Soda Bread is best the day it’s made, but any leftovers can easily be kept fresh. Wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or tuck it into an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Freezing

If you want to savor your bread a little longer, Irish Soda Bread freezes beautifully. Slice the cooled loaf and freeze individual portions, or wrap the whole loaf in foil and plastic. It’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, gently reheat slices in the toaster or warm the loaf in a low oven for about ten minutes. This revives the crisp crust and soft crumb—just perfect with a bit of melted butter on top.

FAQs

Can I make Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes. This gives you the acidity needed for the signature rise and flavor.

Why is there an “X” scored on top of Irish Soda Bread?

The “X” isn’t just for looks! Scoring the dough helps heat reach the center, ensuring even baking. Traditionally, it’s also said to let the fairies out and ward off bad luck—a charming bit of folklore you can share at the table!

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free, then follow the same method. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Should I add the sugar and raisins?

This is truly a matter of personal taste. For a classic, slightly sweet loaf, use both—kids especially love the bursts of raisin. For a more savory bread to pair with stews or cheese, feel free to leave them out, or try adding herbs instead.

Why is my soda bread dense or heavy?

If your loaf turned out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing or kneading the dough too much. Remember, gentle hands and just enough mixing to bring things together is the secret. Fresh baking soda and buttermilk also help with the perfect rise.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking Irish Soda Bread, now is the perfect moment to bring a piece of Ireland into your own kitchen. It’s quick, incredibly satisfying, and impossible not to love—especially when shared with friends and family. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you start baking it on repeat!

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Irish Soda Bread is a traditional quick bread that requires no yeast. This easy-to-make bread is a staple in Irish cuisine, featuring a slightly sweet flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for serving warm with butter and jam.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
1 cup raisins or currants (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). Add raisins or currants if desired.
Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead and shape: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead lightly, shape into a round loaf, and place on the baking sheet.
Score and bake: Score an “X” on top, brush with melted butter, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.