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Foolproof Irish Soda Bread Recipe

When it comes to traditional, comforting baked goods, Irish soda bread holds a special place in the hearts of many. Here is a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe that you can try at home.

Freshly baked Irish Soda Bread in a cast Iron Skillet

Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is a type of bread that is primarily made with just four ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Baking soda is used as the leavening agent instead of yeast, which makes it quick and easy to prepare.

This traditional Irish delight has been a staple in Irish households for centuries, known for its rustic appearance, dense texture, and delightful flavor. It embodies the spirit of Irish cooking and the resourcefulness of its people. It’s simplicity and rich flavor have made it a timeless favorite, cherished across generations.

Irish Soda Bread is not only a wonderful accompaniment to soups, stews, and hearty Irish dishes but also a delightful treat on its own. It’s dense texture and rustic charm make it a beloved staple at Irish celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day, where it is shared among friends and family.

Sliced Irish Soda Bread showing it's beautiful texture

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Irish soda bread is its dense, cake-like texture. This is due to the reaction between the acidic buttermilk and the alkaline baking soda, which creates carbon dioxide and causes the bread to rise. The result is a moist and tender crumb that is both satisfying and comforting.

Another unique feature of Irish soda bread is the cross shape cut into the top of the loaf before baking. This cross is said to have multiple meanings, such as warding off evil spirits and allowing the bread to rise evenly. Additionally, the cross makes it easy to break the bread into quarters, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Other amazing bread recipes you’ll love include Sweet Milk Bread recipe, Oatmeal Banana Bread – Gluten Free, Moist and Indulgent Pumpkin Bread, and No-Knead Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Loaf.

Ingredients for making Irish soda bread 

  • All-purpose flour – add more for dusting
  • Granulated sugar – to add a touch of sweetness and to balance out the tanginess of the buttermilk.
  • Salt – it adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the bread
  • Baking soda – this is the leavening agent 
  • Cold butter – cut into small pieces
  • Raisins or currants – to add to the sweetness 
  • Egg – to give the bread structure
  • Buttermilk – gives the bread its distinct tangy flavor

How to make Irish soda bread 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F/220°C and grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
  • Cut butter into mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers. Add in raisins and mix.
  • Pour in buttermilk and egg, and mix with a spoon until dough combines.
  • Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it onto the skillet.
  • Use a knife to create a deep “X” shape into the top of the dough.
  • Bake for 50-55 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is traditional Irish soda bread made of?

Traditional Irish soda bread is made of flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk. There are variations and additions to each unique recipe but these four ingredients are a must in making traditional Irish soda bread.

Why is it called Irish soda bread?

Irish soda bread originated from Ireland and is leavened with baking soda instead of yeast. It was developed in the 19th century. Baking soda was used instead of yeast to leaven the bread as a practical solution at times because of how expensive and scarce yeast was.

The resulting bread became a staple food in Irish households and is still popular today in Ireland and around the world due to its exceptionally distinct taste and texture.

How do you eat Irish soda bread?

Traditionally, it is served as a side to savory dishes like soups and stews or simply sliced and served with butter or cheese. It is also commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack with tea.

Some people prefer to serve it warm, while others prefer it at room temperature or even toasted. Overall, there are many different ways to enjoy Irish soda bread, and it can be paired with a wide range of foods and beverages as you desire. 

Is Irish soda bread kneaded?

Kneading Irish soda bread depends on the recipe and preference. Typically, Irish soda bread doesn’t require kneading because baking soda is used instead of yeast as a leavening agent. 

What does Irish soda bread taste like?

Irish soda bread is a versatile bread that has a similar taste to that of biscuits. The exterior is crumbly, while the inside is soft and moist. Additionally, the flavor and sweetness of the bread can also be enhanced depending on whether raisins or currants are added to the bread. 

Why is my Irish soda bread so dry?

Overworking the dough for Irish soda bread can make the bread turn out to be tough and dry, so make sure not to overwork the dough. Another reason is overbaking. Baking Irish soda bread for more than 55 minutes at most is a recipe for disaster.  In addition, make sure to use the right amount of buttermilk and flour so that the bread can turn out well. 

Can I make Irish Soda Bread ahead?

While your bread may dry up if stored out for too long, it’s possible to make Irish Soda Bread ahead of time. If you want to make Irish Soda Bread ahead of time, we recommend that you wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature. 

Sliced Irish Soda Bread with butter

Storage and Reheating Tips

How do I store Irish Soda bread?

To store Irish Soda bread, first allow it to cool down completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. If you are planning to keep the bread for more than a day or two, it is best to store it in the fridge to prevent mold growth and to ensure fresh quality when you want to eat it. You can store it for up to one week in the refrigerator. 

Can I Freeze Irish Soda Bread?

If you need to store it for longer, you will need to freeze Irish soda bread. Irish soda bread can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Ensure to wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer.

How to reheat Irish Soda Bread

When you’re ready to enjoy the bread again, let it thaw at room temperature before reheating it in a toaster or oven. This will help the bread return to its original texture and flavor.

Tips to note

  • The dough should be sticky and wet. Don’t overwork the dough; else, the bread will turn out tough.
  • If you are unable to shape it into a ball, then incorporate a little more flour at a time until you are able to form the ball.
  • Be precise with the amount of baking soda used in the recipe. Too much or too little can result in an uneven rise or even a metallic aftertaste.
  • Make sure to use fresh ingredients, including flour and baking soda.
  • Mark the top of the bread with a cross shape before baking – this helps the bread rise properly and gives it a rustic appearance.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet to bake the bread for a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Let the bread cool before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.

Other Bread Recipes You may enjoy:

Freshly baked Irish Soda Bread in a cast Iron Skillet

Traditional Irish Soda Bread 

Bread doesn’t have to be boring. Switch up the kind of bread you eat with this delicious, traditional Irish soda bread!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: 3330.1kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup raisins or currants

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (220°C) and grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet generously with butter.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
  • Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the raisins and stir to combine.
  • Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk and egg. Mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape into a round loaf and place it onto the prepared skillet.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” shape into the top of the loaf.
  • Bake the bread for 50 to 55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving

Notes

The dough should be sticky and wet. Don’t overwork the dough else, the bread will turn out tough.
If you are unable to shape it into a ball, then incorporate a little more flour at a time until you are able to form the ball.
Add more notes as needed

Nutrition

Calories: 3330.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 563.1g | Protein: 73.1g | Fat: 90.1g | Saturated Fat: 52.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22.7g | Trans Fat: 2.8g | Cholesterol: 383.9mg | Sodium: 4451.6mg | Potassium: 2299.6mg | Fiber: 23.4g | Sugar: 69g | Vitamin A: 2930.8IU | Vitamin C: 7.8mg | Calcium: 576.3mg | Iron: 27.9mg

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