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Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1¾ cups buttermilk

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Preheat & Get Ready
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    Line a baking sheet or grab a cast iron skillet if you want a better crust.
  2. Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together:
    Flour
    Baking soda
    Salt
    Make sure everything is evenly mixed—this matters more than you think.
  3. Step 3 – Add Buttermilk
    Pour in the buttermilk slowly.
    Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
    Don’t overthink it. Don’t overmix it.
  4. Step 4 – Shape the Dough
    Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
    Gently shape it into a round loaf about 1.5–2 inches thick.
    No kneading. Just shaping.
  5. Step 5 – Score the Cross
    Use a knife to cut a deep cross on top.
    About half an inch deep is perfect.
  6. Step 6 – Bake
    Bake for 35–45 minutes.
    You’ll know it’s done when:
    The crust is golden brown
    It sounds hollow when tapped
  7. Step 7 – Let It Rest
    Let it cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
    Yes, it’s tempting. But cutting too early makes it gummy.