This is the easiest Irish Soda Bread on the planet! All you need is flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk! Whip one up and enjoy this traditional St. Patrick’s Day food!

 

 

Don’t let the simplicity fool you! Four ingredients are going to turn into a crusty loaf of bread with soft insides that are absolutely delicious.

This is the best irish soda bread recipe and you’ll love it too!

While I love whipping up a good Oatmeal Bread, or the like, sometimes I just don’t want to put in the effort! Enter soda bread.

Plus I love that traditional Irish soda bread requires no rising. With no yeast, no rising time required!

And all you need are four ingredients! Which you probably already have in your house or can quickly whip up! Bread doesn’t need to be intimidating! 

 

 

What is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish soda bread is a quick bread. It traditionally uses baking soda and buttermilk to create the rise instead of yeast.

Because there is no yeast, it isn’t meant to be kneaded, doesn’t need to rise, and doesn’t bake in a loaf pan.

This bread has a nice crunchy outside but the inside is soft and sort of melts in your mouth.

 

 

Irish Soda Bread History

Although we often attribute many foods to countries they aren’t from (French Fries anyone?) Irish soda bread is actually from Ireland.

Long ago in Ireland, wheat from around the world was not as readily available as it is today.

The wheat that grew naturally in Ireland was softer, contained less gluten, and therefore didn’t rise well with yeast.

Therefore, flatbread was much more likely to be eaten than any light and fluffy breads.

However, baking soda was the fix. Baking soda combined with buttermilk could create the lift they were looking for.

On St. Patrick’s Day, many people make Soda bread to celebrate the Irish heritage!

 

 

Ingredients for Irish Soda Bread

You probably have all four ingredients in your pantry!

• Flour: Regular all purpose flour. Whole wheat flour would give you a different flavor and texture.
• Baking Soda: This is what reacts with the buttermilk to give the bread a lift.
• Salt: For flavoring! Any salt you have in your cupboard will work.
• Buttermilk: Not everyone’s cup of tea but perfect for making bread!

 

 

Buttermilk Substitute

No buttermilk? No problem! Here’s an easy way to make your own buttermilk.

Take regular milk from your fridge. Whole or two percent will work best though the others will work in a pinch.

Combine the regular milk with 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir and then allow the combination to sit for 5 minutes.

You should notice the milk separating and curdling. You now have your very own buttermilk ready to add to the Bread!

 

 

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

• Mix: The important thing to remember here is not to overmix. This isn’t yeast bread.
• Cut: Cutting an x in the top of the bread helps the bread to cook through in the center.
• Bake: When the bread is golden and crispy, it is done.

Pro Tip: Mix with your hands! A machine mixer is definitely going to overmix the bread.

 

 

What Does Irish Soda Bread Taste Like?

Irish soda bread is very mild in flavor. You’re only adding 4 ingredients, and none of those ingredients are particularly strong. So expect a lightly flavored bread. 

Traditional soda bread is meant to be eaten with butter, jam, meats, or soups. Not on it’s own.

 

 

How to Eat Irish Soda Bread

Since you’re going to want something to go with your bread, here’s some of our favorites.

• Soup:
• • • Ham and Potato Soup
    • Cauliflower Cheese Soup
    • One Pot Cheeseburger Soup

• Meat:

• • • Swedish Meatballs
    • Meatloaf
    • Beef Stroganoff

• St Patrick’s Day:

• • Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Rainbow Marshmallows
  • Rainbow Jello

 

 

Can You Freeze Irish Soda Bread?

Sure! Soda Bread can easily be frozen by wrapping tightly twice and then bagging. It will stay good in the freezer for up to two months.

I haven’t noticed any difference in texture or flavor after freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to come to room temperature on the counter.

Pro Tip: Write the name of the bread and the date of cooking on the bag when you put it in the freezer.

 

 

Why Is It Called Irish Soda Bread?

Here’s the breakdown of the name Irish Soda Bread:

• Irish: Because it’s from Ireland! I love when we know where our food originated.
• Soda: Because of the baking soda used in place of yeast.
• Bread: Because it’s bread. That one was probably pretty obvious.

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Irish Soda Bread?

Looking for a treat to share with your pooch on St. Patrick’s Day? This bread will probably be okay in small amounts.

Made with just flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk, there isn’t anything overtly harmful to dogs. That being said, some dogs can have allergies to flour or dairy, so you’ll want to be careful.

Always test in small amounts and if you notice anything abnormal, let your vet know.

 

 

How Long Does Irish Soda Bread Last?

Soda Bread is known for it’s crispy outer layer. And it can actually lose that crunchiness pretty quickly!

I find that if I eat the bread within the first two days, it’s still in tip top shape. After those first two days the edges start to soften and the bread becomes more chewy.

It doesn’t go bad though and still tastes good, just loses some texture. You can keep the bread for 5-7 days, after that, it’s time to toss it.

As always, if you notice any mold growing, don’t chance it and toss the entire loaf. 

 

 

More Bread Recipes You’ll Love…

• Oatmeal Molasses Bread
• Homemade Crescent Rolls
• Banana Yeast Bread
• Potato Bread

Irish Soda Bread is a quick and easy bread that is delicious and perfect for all occasions! Enjoy some today with butter, jam, and a cup of tea!

 

Originally Posted: March 14, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: March 10, 2022

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