Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Soda (Printable Version)
Rustic Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, made with just four ingredients.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredient
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour the surface.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until it comes together—do not overwork. Shape into a round, slightly flattened loaf about 2 inches thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
06 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No yeast, no proofing, no waiting around for dough to rise
- The ingredient list is so short you probably have everything right now
- That X scored on top creates the most irresistible crispy corners
02 -
- Overworking the dough is the number one mistake people make with soda bread
- The X on top is not just pretty—it helps the heat penetrate the center
- This bread is best eaten the day it is made, though it toasts beautifully the next morning
03 -
- Weigh your flour if you can—it is more accurate than measuring by volume
- The dough should feel sticky and shaggy, not smooth like yeast dough