Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe: Simple Rustic Loaf Guide

This quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe requires no yeast and only a few simple pantry ingredients. Slice it warm, toast if you like, and serve with butter and jam.

When you run out of bread, soda bread is a lifesaver. It comes together fast and doesn’t need rising time or special equipment. A warm slice of soda bread with butter and jam keeps breakfasts simple and satisfying.

This version is the classic, straightforward recipe I return to time and again. It makes two generous loaves—perfect for sharing—or you can halve the ingredients for a single loaf.

Yield: Makes 2 Loaves, Serves 8

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Serve this soda bread warm, toasted, or at room temperature with softened butter and your favorite jam. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick substitute: add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit 10 minutes before using.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
35 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups / 480 g all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 cups / 475 ml buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl.
Slowly pour in the buttermilk. You may not need all of it—discard any excess. Mix with your hands until a soft dough forms. Do not let the dough rest.
Divide the dough evenly into two portions (omit this step if halving the recipe).
On a lightly floured surface, knead each dough ball briefly—about one to two minutes—until somewhat smooth. Shape into balls with the seam on the bottom.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of each dough ball, about ¼ of the way through.
Bake for about 34 minutes, until the tops are well browned, the center of the cross feels firm, and the loaves sound hollow when turned over and tapped.
Cool a few minutes before slicing.
Spread slices with room-temperature butter and jam, and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 253
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 566mg
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 8g