Easy Irish Soda Bread
With its golden crust, tender crumb, and no yeast required, this Easy Irish Soda Bread is a foolproof recipe perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers! Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a touch of sugar, this rustic bread is brought together by tangy buttermilk and enriched with a single egg for added moisture. The cold, cubed butter creates a subtle flakiness, while the optional raisins add a delightful burst of sweetness. Requiring only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and no need for kneading or rising, this traditional Irish bread comes together effortlessly. Whether served warm with a generous smear of butter, as a hearty side to soups and stews, or as part of your St. Patrick’s Day feast, this soda bread is a timeless classic begging to be shared.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1.75 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg, large
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. If using raisins, fold them in at this stage.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead for about 1 minute, just until it forms a cohesive ball. Avoid over-kneading.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or skillet.
Using a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly and gives it its classic look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with butter or alongside your favorite meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3101 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.7 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.0 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 357 mg | 119% | |
| Sodium | 2427 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 549.2 g | 200% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 148.5 g | ||
| Protein | 75.0 g | 150% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.2 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 704 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 26.6 mg | 148% | |
| Potassium | 2452 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
