Homemade soda bread is surprisingly simple

With a name like Reiley I ought to know how to make a loaf of Irish soda bread. Actually, I was taught this homemade soda bread recipe by the owner of a sweet little pub in southwest Ireland. I was surprised to learn just how easy it is to make this hearty, satisfying loaf. With just 5 ingredients and no kneading required, you can produce a loaf of warm, crusty bread in under an hour. 

Using the right ingredients

The key to this hearty loaf is high-quality, stone ground wheat flour. This kind of flour seems to be ubiquitous in Ireland but it’s definitely more rare on North American shores. It may take a little searching but the results are worth the effort. The Kitchn has a good article explaining exactly what stone ground flour is, in case you’re not sure. You can find this time of flour at some health food and specialty grocers. I know Bob’s Red Mill makes a stone ground whole wheat. It’s available on Amazon if your local store doesn’t carry it.

This loaf tastes best served warm with hunks of golden, Irish butter. Slice and toast leftover bread and smear it with butter and jam for a quick and comforting breakfast or snack.

5 from 1 vote

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Irish Soda Bread

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

55 mins

 

A simple recipe for a traditional soda bread--you won't believe how easy it is to make homemade bread! 

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: Bread

Dish Type: bread

Cooking Style: Baking

Diet and Health: healthy-ish

Seasonal: St. Patrick's Day

Ingredient: Buttermilk

Servings: 1 loaf

Created by: Amy Reiley

Ingredients

• 3 c stone ground whole wheat flour
• 1 c white flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 c buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the buttermilk, stirring to combine, until you have a sticky dough.
3. Knead the dough lightly before transferring to a lightly greased baking sheet.
4. Shape the dough into a flattened round. Cut a cross into the top to release the fairies. (I was not aware that fairies live in bread dough but since I was instructed on this key step by an Irish baker, I'm sticking to it!)
5. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. Bread will be golden on top and offer a hollow sound when tapped when it is fully cooked.

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