This traditional Irish soda bread is a simple yet flavorful, quick bread that requires no yeast or rising time.
With its golden crust and tender crumb, it's the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal —especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Pair it with corned beef, cabbage, or a hearty stew. While American versions often include sweeteners or mix-ins, the classic Irish recipe remains true to its roots with a simple, straightforward flavor profile. Enjoy it warm with a generous slathering of butter.
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What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need- Flour: The base of the bread provides structure and texture. All-purpose flour gives a lighter crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread, balancing the slight tang from the buttermilk and bringing out the natural flavors of the flour.
- Baking Soda: Acts as the leavening agent, reacting with the acidity in the buttermilk to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which help the bread rise without needing yeast.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture to the dough and a subtle tangy flavor. The acidity in the buttermilk also reacts with the baking soda to make the bread rise, giving it a light, tender crumb. 👉If you want to make your own buttermilk, check out my easy method here.
How to Make Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a 1 ½-inch thick round on a floured surface.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the dough on a floured baking sheet.
- Score the Dough: Cut a cross on top of the dough and prick each section lightly to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve: Let the bread cool slightly, then serve warm with butter.
Camila's Tips and Variations
- Flour Types: For a richer flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Add-ins: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or caraway seeds for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Buttermilk Substitute:
- Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, brush the top with melted butter before baking.
- Savory Option: Add ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese and a handful of chopped herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for a savory version.
- Cheese-Topped Scones: After shaping the soda bread, flatten it and cut it into triangle-shaped scones. Brush the tops with a beaten egg mixed with a little milk, dip them into shredded cheese, and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes.
See More Irish Bread Recipes
📖 Recipe
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
This traditional Irish soda bread is a simple yet flavorful, quick bread that requires no yeast or rising time. With its golden crust and tender crumb, it's the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal —especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Pair it with corned beef, cabbage, or a hearty stew. While American versions often include sweeteners or mix-ins, the classic Irish recipe remains true to its roots with a simple, straightforward flavor profile. Enjoy it warm with a generous slathering of butter.
Ingredients
- 400 g All-Purpose Flour
- 1-½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 354 to 500 ml (1-½ to 2 cups) Buttermilk add more if needed,1 tablespoon at a time
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
- Add the Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Gently stir from the center outward until the dough comes together. If needed, add a bit more buttermilk. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round about 1 ½ inches thick without kneading.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the shaped dough onto a floured baking sheet.
- Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, extending it to the edges. This helps the bread bake evenly. Prick each section lightly to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The bread should have a deep golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a generous spread of butter.
Notes
How to Store
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How to freeze
The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once completely cooled, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. To reheat, microwave until heated through or wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Buttermilk Substitution: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 4 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
210
% Daily Value*
Fat
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.4
g
Cholesterol
5
mg
2
%
Sodium
296
mg
13
%
Potassium
114
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
40
g
13
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
74
IU
1
%
Calcium
59
mg
6
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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