What makes Irish soda bread different from other breads?

Irish soda bread uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent, giving it a denser, quicker-to-make texture. It typically contains only flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in traditional Irish soda bread?

While buttermilk is traditional, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.

How do I store traditional Irish soda bread?

Store your Irish soda bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It's best consumed within 2-3 days, as it tends to dry out quickly. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Why is there a cross cut on top of traditional Irish soda bread?

The cross cut on top of traditional Irish soda bread isn't just decorative. It allows steam to escape during baking and helps the bread to cook evenly. Some also believe it ward off evil.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread: 7 Best Expert Secrets

Name: Traditional Irish Soda Bread: The Easiest Recipe Ever!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sugar (optional); 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Description

A simple and comforting Traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe that requires no kneading and is ready in under an hour. Perfect for slicing and serving with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
Create a well in the center and pour in buttermilk and melted butter (if using).
Gently mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a 1.5-2 inch thick round.
Place on the baking sheet and cut a deep cross on top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg