Imagine pulling a golden, crusty loaf of bread out of the oven with just minutes of preparation - no yeast, no complicated kneading, and absolutely no baking expertise required! This Easy Irish Soda Bread is your ticket to becoming an instant kitchen hero, delivering authentic Irish flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this small loaf recipe will transform your cooking game and transport your taste buds straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 1 small loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for creating a nice crust on your soda bread.
- Gather all your ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to ensure that the dry ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the buttermilk, allowing it to gradually incorporate into the flour mixture.
- Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.
- Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1 minute, just until it holds together. Avoid excessive kneading, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread to rise evenly and gives it a traditional look.
- Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the soda bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the texture set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Easy Irish Soda Bread with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite soup or stew!
Tips
- • Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and rise • Don't overwork the dough - gentle mixing is key to keeping the bread light • The deep cross-scoring isn't just traditional, it helps the bread bake evenly • Check doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread - it should sound hollow • Let the bread rest after baking to allow the texture to set properly • Serve warm with salted butter for the most authentic Irish experience • Store in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 249kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 8g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 4mg
