Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (2024)

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By Kristie Sawicki 19 Comments

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This authentic quick bread recipe is the best Irish Soda Bread you’ll serve at your kitchen table!

It’s the perfect addition to your Corned Beef or Irish Beef Stew dinner this St. Patrick’s Day.

This soda bread is SO EASY to make and requires no yeast, making it the perfect bread to serve with all of your dinner meals.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (1)

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When you’re looking for an authentic Irish Soda Bread recipe, make sure you choose one that doesn’t have a lot of special ingredients or complicated steps.

This is one of my favorite bread recipes, you’ll find lots more homemade bread recipes here.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

The best recipes are tried and true and often the most simple to make.

And because this recipe is easy to put together, you’ll not want to skimp on the buttermilk.

This homemade soda bread is one of the top recipes for St. Patrick’s Day.

The buttermilk is an important ingredient. You don’t want to choose a recipe for Irish Soda Bread without buttermilk or it just won’t taste like the traditional bread everyone loves.

You can add raisins or even chocolate chips to this moist bread if you’d like to, however a lot of people from Ireland prefer to eat it without any extras added in.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (2)

The best soda bread in my opinion, is just a moist Irish Soda Bread traditional recipe like the one below.

Soda Bread Ingredients

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking Soda
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Butter
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg

How to Make Soda Bread

The full measurements for the ingredients are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

This is a visual walk through on how to make this bread.

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Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2: Grease a baking sheet.

Step 3: Stir together all purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

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Step 4: Add 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup buttermilk and egg to the flour mixture and mix until combined.

Step 5: Flour work surface, turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly.

Step 6: Shape dough into a round shape and place on prepared sheet.

Step 7: Whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (5)

Step 8: Place on a prepared baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet and brush loaf with buttermilk mixture.

Step 9: Cut an X in the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

Step 10: Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Expert Tip: Brush the crust with buttermilk mixture every 15 minutes or so while baking.

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Step 11: Your finished bread will have a lovely golden brown crust. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Soda Bread Add-Ins

  • Raisins
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Dried Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Orange Zest
  • Currants
  • Caraway Seeds

More Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

  • Irish Beef Stew – Tender and juicy seasoned beef loaded with a rich and decadent sauce that surrounds the tender beef and all the vegetables.
  • Homemade Shamrock Shakes – Delicious homemade green minty milkshake.
  • Irish Potato Candy – Contrary to the name, these little bite sized sweet treats have no mashed potato in them. That’s right! They get their name because they look like little potatoes.
  • Guinness Bread – This Guinness Bread is the perfect way to start your festivities this year.
  • Green Velvet Cupcakes – If you are looking for a fun St. Patrick’s Day recipe, try these Green Velvet Cupcakes with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting!
  • Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey’s Buttercream – These are a delicious treat to add to your festivities.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (8)

Irish Soda Bread

Kristie Sawicki

Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe.

4.06 from 317 votes

PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPE

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine irish

Servings 6

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cup Flour
  • 4 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup softened Butter
  • 1/4 cup melted Butter
  • 1 1/4 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 Egg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375.

  • Grease a baking sheet.

  • Mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

  • Add 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup buttermilk and egg to dry ingredients and mix until combined.

  • Flour work surface.

  • Turn out dough and knead briefly.

  • Shape dough into a round shape and place on prepared sheet.

  • Whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk.

  • Brush loaf with buttermilk mixture.

  • Cut an X in the top of the loaf.

  • Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

  • Brush with buttermilk mixture every 15 minutes or so while baking.

Video

Notes

This is the best authentic Irish recipe for traditional soda bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 11gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 883mgPotassium: 167mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 831IUCalcium: 198mgIron: 4mg

Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave me a comment below, I would love to hear how you liked it (or not lol) Share a photo with me @KRISTIESAWICKI or tag #SAVINGDOLLARS!

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About Kristie Sawicki

I'm the blogger behind Saving Dollars & Sense. I started this website over ten years ago, to share my journey out of debt, while living a simple, frugal lifestyle. You'll find lots of great MONEY SAVING TIPS, DIY PROJECTS, HOMEMADE RECIPES, SIMPLE LIVING IDEAS and MORE!! I'm so glad you're here.

Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional Irish soda bread made of? ›

Containing just four ingredients — all-purpose wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk — this Irish soda bread recipe is very much in line with what's eaten in Ireland. In addition to this version made with white flour, the Irish do make a whole wheat (aka wholemeal) variety as well.

What's the difference between Irish bread and Irish soda bread? ›

However, the two loaves differ pretty significantly from there. Irish brown bread has a deep, nutty flavor because of its wheat flour and wheat bran while soda bread uses only white flour. Soda bread is slightly sweet and more scone-like while Irish brown bread is more savory with a tender interior.

Do they eat Irish soda bread in Ireland? ›

Each country has its “national” bread with recipes dating back to their forefathers. Ireland, for one, has embraced it's kind of bread – the soda bread. It is a basic staple among the Irish that they call it Irish Soda Bread. It's common to see the locals pair this famous bread with a bottle of Guinness too.

What is the myth behind Irish soda bread? ›

Contrary to a common misconceptions, the Irish did not import the Soda Bread recipe from the American Indians. This misconception is my fault because 30+ years ago on the original site I happened to mention Native Americans using Potash to make bread.

Why does Irish soda bread not need yeast? ›

The baking soda does the job of yeast and makes the bread rise. Since it's not as powerful as yeast, the bread is dense rather than fluffy. It's beautiful and delicious!

Why is Irish soda bread so dry? ›

You might have added too much baking soda or baking powder or used self-rising flour. If your bread's texture is dry: You might have added too much baking soda, too little liquid or not baked it at high enough temperature.

Is Irish soda bread unhealthy? ›

Nutrition Notes

Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

Why is my Irish soda bread gummy? ›

And finally, don't immediately cut into the Fast Irish Soda bread when you pull it out of the oven. Although this bread is best served warm, cutting into it too quickly will turn the bread gummy.

What is Irish soda bread supposed to taste like? ›

Irish soda bread is a dense and tender quick bread with a subtle tangy buttermilk flavor.

Why is my Irish soda bread brown? ›

In Ireland, they sometimes make it with varying proportions of whole wheat flour, creating what they often refer to as brown bread. As for the leavening, the acid in the buttermilk reacts with the soda to create carbon dioxide.

Why cut a cross in Irish soda bread? ›

I was always told that the cross on the top of Irish Soda Bread was to symbolize the Catholic faith of Ireland, and the Gaelic Cross. Some say it kept the Devil out, but that is what a cross is supposed to do also. Turns out that is true but more importantly, it helps in the baking of the bread.

What do the Irish call soda bread? ›

In Ulster, the wholemeal variety is usually known as wheaten bread and is normally sweetened, while the term "soda bread" is restricted to the white savoury form. In the southern provinces of Ireland, the wholemeal variety is usually known as brown bread and is almost identical to the Ulster wheaten.

What is the best way to eat Irish soda bread? ›

How to Eat Irish Soda Bread. This versatile bread works for any meal, but Irish soda bread is a natural for breakfast, whether simply spread with (Irish) butter and jam or alongside that hearty fry-up known as a full Irish breakfast. It's also wonderful with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a late-night snack.

Do the Irish really eat Irish soda bread? ›

Almost every family in Ireland has its own recipe for this delicious bread, hand-written on a slip of floury paper, or tucked away in an old cookbook. While its ingredients may be simple, soda bread is an Irish tradition that has led the country through some of its darkest times.

What is traditionally served with Irish soda bread? ›

The thick and hearty nature of Irish soda bread helps it pair very well with meaty stews (especially Irish stew). You can use it to soak up the juices as you eat or as a vehicle for the meat and vegetables. Traditionally, Irish soda bread is served with a slow-simmered beef and barley stew.

Is Irish soda bread bad for you? ›

Yes! Between its straightforward recipe, short preparation and cooking time, and delicious taste, this is at the top of my list of bread to make! From traditional to added dried fruits, nuts and seeds, cheeses, and herbs, you can make your healthy Irish Soda Bread filled with heart healthy nutrients!

Is soda bread good for your gut? ›

This soda bread recipe – which uses bicarbonate of soda rather than yeast – allows you to whip up delicious home-made bread quickly, and give your gut health a massive boost in the process. “Soda bread lends itself beautifully to healthy loaves that are full of nutrition,” says nutritionist Reece Carter.

Is there a difference between soda bread and Irish soda bread? ›

A soda bread defined in America

If you want to make an authentic Irish soda bread, the difference lies in what ingredients you should omit. According to Epicurious, Irish-American soda breads use caraway seeds and raisins in the recipe, while soda breads from Ireland lack both of these add-ins.

Should you refrigerate Irish soda bread? ›

Tightly wrap your leftover bread and place it in an airtight container. There's no need to refrigerate. As for how long soda bread lasts: Irish soda bread tends to dry out faster than other breads. The bread will be good for 3-4 days or up to three months if frozen.

How to tell if Irish soda bread is done? ›

The most traditional doneness test calls for thumping the hot bread in the center to hear if it's hollow-sounding. A more foolproof indication is temperature; the loaf will register 200°F to 205°F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted in the center of the bread. Let the bread cool.

Should Irish soda bread be dense? ›

Irish Soda Bread is a dense bread, similar to a scone, but can easily become dry if overmixed. Quickly add the wet ingredients to a well you've made in the dry ingredients, and mix with your hands or a dough hook until it just comes together.

Why does American Irish soda bread have raisins? ›

Raisins are not a traditional ingredient of Irish soda bread, but it is in the Americanized version, such as this one. Adding raisins to this version of Irish soda bread adds a touch of sweetness that we've become accustomed to in the country.

What is bread soda made from? ›

Sodium bicarbonate (IUPAC name: sodium hydrogencarbonate), commonly known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation (Na+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3).

What is a substitute for Irish flour? ›

You could always order Irish flour online, but a simpler solution is substituting part of the whole wheat flour with additional bran and germ. According to Thrive Cuisine, you will likely find wheat germ and bran in the cereal or bulk ingredients aisles in the grocery store.

References

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