Irish Soda Bread

Name: Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 1 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

8 servings15 min prep45 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Irish Soda Bread

Story updated September 18, 2026

Soda bread emerged in Ireland in the mid-19th century after bicarbonate of soda became available, offering quick leavening suited to Ireland's soft wheat and modest home ovens. It became especially important during and after the Great Famine.

Ingredients

Scale:· 8 servings

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

Instructions

1Preheat oven to 425°F and flour a baking sheet.
2Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
3Make a well and pour in buttermilk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4Turn onto a floured surface and knead briefly into a round loaf.
5Place on the sheet, cut a deep X across the top, and brush with melted butter.
6Bake 40-45 minutes, until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

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