Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread, with its tender crumb and crusty exterior, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. Made with just a few staple ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe when you crave the warmth and comfort of homemade bread without the fuss.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, but we just don’t always have the time to make it. Luckily, this traditional Irish soda bread recipe offers the joy and pride of bread-making without the fuss, filling your home with the aroma of freshly baked bread. It’s wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Irish Soda Bread Recipe

• Uncomplicated ingredients. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s accessible for everyone to bake and perfect for a stress-free baking project!
• No yeast, no wait. The magic of baking soda and buttermilk means you get a beautifully risen loaf in no time, perfect for when you crave fresh bread without the wait.
• Delightfully versatile. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, this bread adapts to your taste. Enjoy it plain, add dried fruits for a sweet touch, or incorporate herbs and cheese for a savory twist.
• Rustic charm. Each loaf is unique, with a beautiful, rustic appearance that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the kind of homemade bread that brings a cozy, comforting vibe to your kitchen.

What Is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish soda bread is a traditional quick bread from Ireland, known for its simplicity and rustic charm. Unlike other breads, it doesn’t require yeast, kneading, or lengthy rising times. Instead, it rises with the help of baking soda (hence the name) reacting with acidic buttermilk. The result is a dense, slightly tangy loaf with a distinctive soft interior and a crunchy crust.

Often made with just four ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk—it embodies the essence of traditional Irish cooking: simple, hearty, and delicious. Simple variations include adding ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.

What You’ll Need

See the recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions. Here are some notes about the ingredients:

• All-purpose flour – Measure by weight for the best results. If you don’t yet have a digital kitchen scale, use the spoon and sweep method. Learn more: How to Measure Flour
• Baking soda – This is what gives the bread its rise (and its name!).
• Salt – I usually just use regular table salt, but use whatever type you’d like.
• Buttermilk – This contributes to the bread’s texture, flavor, and rise.
• Dried currants – These are optional but add a hint of sweetness and extra flavor.

Can I Use a Buttermilk Substitute?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, then you can use a substitute. A common replacement involves mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with a cup of milk for every cup of buttermilk listed in the recipe.

While this may work well enough, I recommend using buttermilk if possible. With this large amount of buttermilk, the variations in texture, flavor, and consistency will be more noticeable. Learn more and get other substitution options here: Buttermilk Substitutes

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Whipping up this delicious homemade bread is a cinch! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Make the Dough:

• Soak the dried fruit. If you’re using the currants or another dried fruit, place them in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel. This will help keep them from drawing moisture from the bread dough.
• Prepare for baking. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner. If you have parchment paper that’s rated for high temperatures, you can use that to line your pan. Or you can instead skip the lining and lightly flour the baking sheet.
• Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Toss the currants with a bit of the flour to help keep them from clumping, and then stir them into the remaining flour mixture.
• Mix in the buttermilk. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and then pour the buttermilk into the well. Mix with a fork or your hands until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft and not too sticky. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add more flour in small increments until it’s the right consistency.

Shape and Bake:

• Shape the bread. Place the dough on a floured work surface, and gently knead it just a few times to shape it into a round loaf. Transfer the dough onto the prepared pan, and then use a sharp knife to make a deep X cut in the top.
• Bake. Place the pan in the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. If you have an instant-read thermometer, aim for 190 to 220°F.
• Cool. Place the pan on a wire rack, and allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Variations

There are many ways to customize this simple quick bread. I often use dried currants, but other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries are good choices, too. You can also try adding chopped nuts or seeds (like sunflower, pumpkin, or caraway seeds) for different flavors and textures. Just be sure to coat them in a little flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom. For a heartier savory version, skip the dried fruits in favor of shredded cheese and add about 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs.

Serving Suggestions

I think you’ll find that this simple Irish soda bread is quite versatile. Whether it’s part of a meal or a simple snack, its comforting texture and flavor are always a hit. Here are some ideas for serving it to get you started:

• Breakfast – Serve warm slices of Irish soda bread with butter and jam for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
• Soup companion – A slice of this bread makes the perfect companion to creamy soups or hearty stews. Its dense texture is ideal for soaking up flavors.
• Cheese board – Include slices or chunks of the bread on a cheese board. Its subtle tang and firm texture complement a wide range of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to soft brie.
• Sandwiches – Use thick slices of the bread to make open-faced sandwiches.
• Tea time – Irish soda bread can be a delightful addition to an afternoon tea spread, especially if you’ve added dried fruits to the dough.
• Customized toppings – Experiment with various toppings like honey, nut butter, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

How to Store

Irish soda bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but it can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for a day or two. To refresh, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

How to Freeze

This bread freezes quite well. After it has cooled completely, wrap the bread (individual slices or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap. Place inside an airtight freezer container or bag. Properly stored, it should keep in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, or warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

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