Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Soda (Printable)
Rustic Irish soda bread with golden crust and tender crumb using just four simple ingredients.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until dough holds together—avoid overworking. Shape into a round, slightly flattened loaf about 2 inches thick. Place on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
06 - Transfer bread to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbly texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Four basic ingredients create something magical in under an hour
- The tender crumb and crispy crust rival any bakery loaf
- Foolproof enough for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced bakers
02 -
- Over-kneading makes the bread tough, so work the dough as little as possible
- The X cut isn't just decorative, it helps the bread bake evenly throughout
- Letting it cool completely prevents the inside from becoming gummy
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients help everything come together smoothly
- A hot oven creates that signature crust we all love
- Trust your nose, the bread will smell done before your timer goes off