Homemade Soda Bread–a simple recipe for a classic loaf

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 bread. 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.

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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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