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+ servings
slices of traditional Irish soda bread on a wooden cutting board
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5 from 1 vote

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish soda bread creates a crackling loaf of crusty, fresh homemade bread. This no yeast bread is a simple recipe that bakes up perfectly with minimal effort making it ideal for anyone, even beginners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Bread, Snack
Cuisine: Irish
Servings: 8
Calories: 216kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; more as needed
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups buttermilk
  • add-ins optional

Instructions

  • Position a rack in the center of the oven and  preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly flour a large rimmed baking sheet.
  • Sift all of the dry ingredients into a large, wide mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in 1-1/2 cups of the buttermilk. Stir with one hand, fingers apart, moving in circles to incorporate the buttermilk into the dry ingredients. If necessary, add more buttermilk 1 Tbs. at a time until the dough just barely comes together. (The absorption rate varies depending on the brand of flour.) The dough should be soft—don’t overwork it.
  • Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and pat into a round about 6-3/4 inches in diameter and 1-1/2 inches high in the center. Invert the round so the floured side is on top. With a thin, sharp knife, score a cross on the dough about 1/4 inch deep and extending fully from one side to the other.
  • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F and bake until the bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, another 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Cool to room temperature on a rack, about 2 hours, before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • If necessary, add more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just barely comes together. The absorption rate varies depending on the brand of flour.
  • The dough should be soft. Don’t overwork it or the dough will toughen up.
  • It's ok if the loaf isn't perfect looking when you shape it. The dough should be rustic looking. That's what makes it pretty!

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 3mg