Soda Bread with Irish Butter Recipe

Introduction

Soda bread is a classic Irish quick bread that’s simple to make and wonderfully satisfying. This recipe delivers a rustic loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb, perfect for enjoying with creamy Irish butter.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1¾ cups buttermilk, well-shaken
• Irish butter, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently with a wooden spoon or your hand until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly just until it comes together. Shape it into a round loaf about 2 inches thick.
5. Step 5: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross about ½ inch deep into the top of the dough.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Step 7: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with Irish butter.

Tips & Variations

• For a heartier loaf, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Use cold buttermilk straight from the fridge to help create a light texture.
• Adding a tablespoon of sugar can give a slightly sweeter bread if desired.

Storage

Store leftover soda bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread; thaw slices at room temperature or toast before serving. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be lightly reheated in the oven or toaster.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Why does soda bread use baking soda instead of yeast?

Soda bread uses baking soda as a leavening agent because it reacts quickly with the acidity in buttermilk. This means it doesn’t require rising time like yeast bread, making it faster and easier to prepare.

Soda Bread with Irish Butter Recipe

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5 from 142 reviews

This classic Irish Soda Bread recipe is a quick and easy homemade bread made without yeast, using baking soda as the leavening agent. The bread is rustic with a crisp golden crust and a tender crumb, perfect when served warm with creamy Irish butter. Ready in under an hour, it’s a quintessentially Irish loaf ideal for breakfast or as an accompaniment to any meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1¾ cups buttermilk, well-shaken

For Serving

• Irish butter, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Surface: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly throughout the bread.
3. Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the well-shaken buttermilk. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or your hand just until a shaggy dough forms, being careful not to overwork it to maintain a tender texture.
4. Shape the Loaf: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just briefly, enough to bring it together. Shape the dough into a round loaf about 2 inches thick and transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Score and Bake: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross pattern about half an inch deep into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a traditional look. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve slices warm or at room temperature slathered with rich Irish butter.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid tough bread.
• Use well-shaken buttermilk for consistent moisture throughout the dough.
• Check the bread’s doneness by tapping the underside; a hollow sound indicates it’s cooked through.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
• Soda bread is best eaten fresh but can be toasted if leftover.

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread recipe, quick bread, baking, Irish bread, buttermilk bread