Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Soda (Printable Version)
Rustic Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, made from four simple ingredients.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
03 - Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour buttermilk into the well and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just until it holds together—avoid overworking. Shape into a round, slightly flattened loaf approximately 2 inches thick.
05 - Place loaf on prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross pattern on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
06 - Transfer bread to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbly texture.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The aroma filling your home while it bakes might just become your favorite part of the day
- Four ingredients and zero waiting time means fresh bread is always possible, even on busy weeknights
02 -
- Over-kneading is the enemy here—work the dough just enough to bring it together, then stop immediately
- The deep X cut isnt just for tradition, it helps the heat penetrate the center and creates that classic split top
03 -
- Weigh your flour if possible—cup measurements can vary wildly and affect the final texture
- Room temperature buttermilk incorporates more easily than cold straight from the refrigerator