Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Soda (Printable Version)
Rustic Irish soda bread featuring a golden crust and tender crumb, made with simple ingredients.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
03 - Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour buttermilk into the well and stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until dough comes together—avoid overworking. Shape into a round, slightly flattened loaf approximately 2 inches thick. Place on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross pattern across the top of the loaf. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
06 - Transfer loaf to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough comes together in literally five minutes, no proofing no waiting no anxiety about whether it will rise
- That signature golden crust gives way to the most tender interior you have ever pulled apart
- You probably have every single ingredient in your kitchen right now
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes it tough, so stop kneading the moment it comes together
- The X on top is not decorative, it allows heat to penetrate the center and helps the bread bake through properly
- If your loaf sounds dense rather than hollow when tapped, it needs more time in the oven
03 -
- Your buttermilk should be cold straight from the refrigerator, as this keeps the fat from breaking down too quickly during baking
- If the crust is browning too fast, tent the loaf loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes