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Loaf of freshly baked Irish Soda Bread on a wooden board

Irish Soda Bread

A traditional Irish bread that's quick to make and leavened with baking soda, offering a wonderful flavor and texture that's perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Bread, Snack
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus 1/4 cup more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar optional, can be reduced or omitted
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter plus 1/2 Tbsp to grease the pan
  • 1 3/4 cups cold lowfat buttermilk or kefir can substitute with yogurt or sour cream mixed with water
  • 1 large cold egg
  • 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with 1/2 Tbsp of butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
  3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using, stir in the raisins or cranberries.
  4. In a separate cup, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
  5. Make a well in the flour mixture, pour in the buttermilk-egg mixture, and mix until the dough is moistened.
  6. Shape the dough into a round loaf on a floured surface.
  7. Place the dough in the skillet and score a deep 'X' across the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 50-55 minutes until it sounds hollow when tapped.
  2. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy within two days.

Notes

Best served warm with butter; can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Freezing is possible for up to three months, just thaw at room temperature.