Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Supplies
- 9-inch round cake pan
- nonstick cooking spray
- fine-mesh sieve
- large bowl
- silicone spatula
- wire cooling rack
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set the pan aside.
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Pour the buttermilk into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix with a silicone spatula until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently knead the dough into a smooth, round shape. Avoid overworking the dough, since this will affect the density.
Place the rounded dough ball into the prepared cake pan. Carefully spread the dough toward the edges of the pan with your fingers. The dough should cover most of the bottom of the pan.
Cut a deep X across the top of the dough.
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until the top of the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the soda bread to cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Serve the bread with butter.
Recipe Notes
Irish soda bread can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Irish soda bread consists of four humble ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Unlike traditional loaves of bread, which require yeast and eggs, soda bread uses baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents. The ingredients for soda bread are economical and easy to find.
With its mild taste similar to that of a plain scone or biscuit, soda bread is a lovely accompaniment to many dishes, especially corned beef and cabbage. This simple loaf can easily be customized to allow for additional flavors and textures.
How To Make Your Irish Soda Bread Your Own
Irish soda bread is quite mild, so there is no reason not to add a half a cup or a pinch of some of the following items:
- raisins
- assorted nuts
- caraway seeds
- dried cherries
- cheddar
- rosemary
- chives
Brush your warm soda bread with salted butter for a savory side option, or serve the bread alongside honey and jam for a touch of delicate sweetness.
What To Serve With Irish Soda Bread
Lightly flavored soda bread will pair wonderfully with many meals, especially dishes that are warm and hearty:
- corned beef and cabbage
- slow cooker beef stew
- crockpot loaded potato soup
- broccoli cheddar soup
- brisket chili
- butternut squash soup
Prepare this quick and easy authentic soda bread today, and enjoy it with one of your favorite comforting meals.
