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Classic Irish Soda Bread: Quick, Easy, No Yeast Recipe

A thick, golden-brown slice of homemade soda bread resting on a white plate, catching bright sunlight.
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Make this traditional Irish soda bread using simple pantry ingredients. This quick bread recipe requires no yeast and yields a crusty loaf perfect for serving with soup or butter.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet loaf)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust a baking sheet or place parchment paper on it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional sugar.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk.
  4. Mix the ingredients quickly with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined into a soft, sticky dough. Do not overmix.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Avoid heavy kneading.
  6. Place the loaf on your prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, cutting almost to the bottom.
  7. Brush the top of the loaf lightly with melted butter.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Transfer the soda bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 1 1/2 cups of whole milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • For a sweet soda bread variation, add 1/4 cup of raisins or currants to the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk.
  • For a savory cheddar herb soda bread, fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) with the buttermilk.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/classic-quick-irish-soda-bread-no-yeast/