Real Irish Soda Bread

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Authentic, rustic, and beautifully simple this is real Irish Soda Bread at its finest. Made with just flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk, it bakes into a golden, crusty loaf with a tender crumb inside. No yeast, no sugar just pure tradition, perfect alongside hearty soups and stews. 🍀

table of contents

Why This Recipe Is the Real Deal

✔ Authentic Irish method
✔ Only 4 ingredients
✔ No yeast required
✔ Ready in about 1 hour
✔ Perfect crusty exterior
✔ Rustic, hearty crumb

Quick Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 60 mins
  • Cooling: 30 mins
  • Total: 100 mins
  • Serves: 10–12
  • Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients (Traditional & Simple)

  • 15 oz (3 cups / 425g) all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 1⅛ tsp baking soda
  • 18 oz (2¼ cups / 510g) cultured buttermilk

That’s it.

How to Make Real Irish Soda Bread

1️⃣ Preheat Properly

Adjust oven rack to middle.
Preheat to 450°F (230°C) at least 15 minutes.

Line bottom of a 10-inch Dutch oven with parchment.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda together for a full minute.

(Important: evenly distributing baking soda prevents bitter spots.)

3️⃣ Add Buttermilk

Stir in buttermilk until fully moistened.

For fluffier bread → stop mixing as soon as combined.
For chewier bread → fold 20 seconds more.

Dough will be sticky.

4️⃣ Shape & Score

Transfer dough to Dutch oven.

Shape into rough boule.

Score deeply into quarters (classic Irish cross).

5️⃣ Bake

Cover and bake 45 minutes.

Remove lid and bake 12–15 minutes more.

Internal temp should reach 210°F (99°C).

6️⃣ Cool

Invert onto rack.
Cool at least 30 minutes.

For clean slices → cool 2 hours.

Best Ways to Serve

Irish beef stew

Chicken soup

Clam chowder

Butter & jam

Toasted with salted butter

Pro Tips

✔ Measure baking soda carefully (too much = soapy taste)
✔ Score deeply — it helps proper rise
✔ Don’t overmix
✔ Bake in Dutch oven for best crust
✔ Toast leftovers to refresh

zinaba word

Real Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish soda bread made with just flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. This authentic 4-ingredient no-yeast bread is rustic, hearty, and ready in under an hour.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 2 1/4 cups buttermilk

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • baking sheet or Dutch oven
  • sharp knife
  • wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet or lightly flour a baking surface.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a round loaf about 8 inches wide, and score a deep cross on top.
  5. Place the loaf in a covered Dutch oven or cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 80IUCalcium: 85mgIron: 2.3mg

Notes

Use cold buttermilk for best texture. Do not overwork the dough to keep the bread tender. The deep cross score helps the bread bake evenly. Serve warm with butter.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

Real Irish Soda Bread proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With just four staples and no yeast, you get a beautifully crusty loaf with a tender, hearty center — warm, comforting, and timeless. It’s the kind of bread that feels like home, whether for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy meal. 🍀