Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Soda (Printable)
Rustic Irish loaf, golden crust, tender crumb, crafted from four simple ingredients for hearty meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - Create well in center of flour mixture. Pour buttermilk into well and stir with wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until dough holds together, avoiding overworking. Shape into round, slightly flattened loaf approximately 2 inches thick.
05 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Cut deep X across top surface with sharp knife.
06 - Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
07 - Transfer to wire rack. Cool minimum 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour from start to finish—perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings
- The crust is satisfyingly crunchy while the inside stays tender and perfect for slathering with butter
02 -
- The X cut on top isn't just decorative—it helps the heat penetrate the center and allows the bread to expand properly while baking
- Under-kneading is better than over-kneading here; handle the dough just enough to bring it together and no more
03 -
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing—cutting it warm will steam the inside and make it gummy
- For an extra-crispy crust, brush the loaf with a little buttermilk before baking