Name: This American Irish Soda Bread Will Become a Family Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485004H3M56S
Total time: PT-485004H3M56S
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cupsall-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed; 1 3/4cups buttermilk

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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for any occasion? This American Irish Soda Bread is just what you need! It’s a no-fuss, rustic loaf that’s hearty and full of flavor, with a beautiful golden crust and soft, slightly crumbly inside. It’s traditionally made with buttermilk and baking soda instead of yeast, which means you don’t have to wait for the dough to rise. This bread is perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or even enjoying with a dollop of butter and jam.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

No yeast, no waiting – Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Simple ingredients – Everything you likely already have in your pantry.
Rich flavor – The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that makes this bread irresistible.
Versatile – Serve it with anything from soups to a cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. You can find the full list below!

All-purpose flour – The base for this simple bread.
Baking soda – This gives the bread its lift and texture.
Buttermilk – The key ingredient for flavor and moisture.
Salt – Just a little to balance the flavor.
Sugar – A tiny bit to help with the crust.
Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the bread.

Step-by-Step Directions

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together.

Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a rough ball. Be gentle; you don’t want to overwork the dough.

Bake the Bread

Transfer the dough to a greased or lined baking sheet. Flatten it slightly and score the top with a sharp knife, cutting an “X” shape. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. It’s best enjoyed warm with butter!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking can make the bread dense. Just mix until it’s combined.
Use cold butter – This helps create the tender, flaky texture.
Add raisins or currants – If you like a little sweetness, throw in a handful of raisins or currants before baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add herbs – For a savory twist, try adding some chopped rosemary or thyme.
Use milk instead of buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tang.
Cheese option – Stir in some shredded cheddar for a cheesy, savory version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This American Irish Soda Bread is delicious with so many things:

Serve with soup or stew – It’s a perfect side to any hearty dish, like Irish beef stew or potato leek soup.
With butter and jam – Spread a little butter on a warm slice, or top with your favorite jam.
As a breakfast bread – Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room temperature – Keep in a bread box or sealed container for up to 2 days.
Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Reheat – Slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes if you like it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to make a buttermilk substitute.

Why does the bread have an “X” on top?

The “X” is a traditional feature to help the bread cook evenly and also symbolize a cross, often linked to Irish heritage.

Can I add other ingredients, like raisins or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in raisins, currants, or even walnuts for added texture and flavor.

How can I tell when the bread is done?

Tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Conclusion

American Irish Soda Bread is an easy, comforting bread that’s perfect for any time you want something simple and homemade. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the best aroma. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or enjoying it as a snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite!

This American Irish Soda Bread Will Become a Family Favorite

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This American Irish Soda Bread is a no-fuss, rustic loaf that’s hearty and full of flavor, with a golden crust and soft, slightly crumbly inside. Made with buttermilk and baking soda instead of yeast, it’s easy to make with no waiting for dough to rise. Perfect for serving with soups, stews, or enjoying with butter and jam.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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4 cupsall-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
1 3/4cups buttermilk

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Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in the buttermilk, stirring until the dough just comes together.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead gently a few times to form a rough ball.
Bake the Bread: Place the dough on a greased or lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly and score the top with a sharp knife to form an “X.” Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Best served warm with butter.