Description
Irish soda bread emerges as a rustic delight from Ireland’s hearty culinary landscape. Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, creating a crusty exterior and tender crumb that connects you to traditional Irish kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (195 grams) whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) buttermilk
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (4 grams) baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick preparation.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Create a gentle well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in buttermilk.
- Gently integrate the ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges. If the mixture appears dry, incrementally add more buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface and softly knead. Shape the mixture into a rounded disc approximately 7 inches (18 centimeters) in diameter.
- Using a sharp culinary knife or precision kitchen scissors, delicately score a pronounced cross-shaped incision across the dough’s surface, approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) deep. For enhanced visual appeal and flavor, tenderly brush the surface with a light coating of milk or heavy cream.
- Place the prepared loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Assess doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without residual batter. Alternatively, gently tap the bottom of the bread; a resonant hollow sound indicates complete baking.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool momentarily. Serve warm, accompanied by a generous spread of creamy butter and fruity preserves for a delightful gastronomic experience.
Notes
- Cutting into wedges prevents sticking and helps create those classic rustic edges.
- Traditional Irish bakers often used a wooden board or stone surface for mixing ingredients.
- Kitchen temperature affects dough development, so work quickly and confidently.
- Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda, creating those signature soft, airy pockets.
- Salt enhances flavor complexity and balances the bread’s natural earthiness.
- Leftovers stay fresh for 2-3 days when wrapped tightly in a clean kitchen towel.
- Serve warm with salted butter for the most authentic Irish breakfast experience.
- Glass or ceramic baking dishes distribute heat more evenly than metal pans.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create consistent texture.
- Storing bread in a paper bag maintains crustiness better than plastic containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 184 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg