Irish soda bread is a classic, comforting bread that’s fast, easy, and delicious. Unlike traditional yeast breads, it uses baking soda as a leavening agent, so you can enjoy fresh, warm bread in under an hour. This quick & tasty Irish soda bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside soups and stews.
This recipe works beautifully for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Irish Soda Bread
No yeast, so no waiting for dough to rise
Quick and easy to make
Soft, slightly sweet crumb with a crisp crust
Perfect for butter, jam, or soups
Traditional and versatile
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet bread)
1¾ cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for richer flavor)
Optional:
½ cup raisins or currants for a sweet twist
🔥 How to Make Irish Soda Bread (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar (if using)
3️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture
Pour in buttermilk and melted butter
Mix gently with a wooden spoon until dough comes together
⚠️ Avoid overmixing—it can make the bread dense.
4️⃣ Shape the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface
Shape into a round loaf about 1½ inches thick
Place on prepared baking sheet
Score a deep “X” on top with a sharp knife (helps bread bake evenly)
5️⃣ Bake the Bread
Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when done
Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing
💡 Tips for the Best Irish Soda Bread
Use fresh baking soda—old soda will prevent proper rising
Don’t overmix—handle dough lightly for a tender crumb
Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1¾ cups milk with 1½ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes
Optional: brush top with melted butter for a softer crust
🍴 Serving Suggestions
With butter and jam for breakfast
Alongside hearty soups or stews
Toasted with honey or cream cheese
As a base for sandwiches
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the scoring on top
Overworking the dough
Using too much flour (dough should be slightly sticky)
Baking at too low a temperature
🌟 Final Thoughts
This quick & tasty Irish soda bread recipe delivers a traditional, flavorful loaf in under an hour. Soft, slightly sweet, and golden-crusted, it’s perfect for busy mornings or cozy meals.