Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This authentic Irish soda bread combines basic ingredients with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a tender texture from the buttermilk. It’s quick to prepare, and the results are a perfect balance of crunchy crust and soft, flavorful interior. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or alongside your favorite meal, this bread will be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or more as needed)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Slowly add the buttermilk, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more buttermilk if the dough is too dry.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until it forms a rough ball. Avoid over-kneading.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, score a cross on the top of the dough.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Raisins, currants, or seeds can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a cloth to keep it fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but for a more authentic taste, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How can I make this bread sweeter?
Increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter bread, or add honey to the dough for added flavor.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze Irish soda bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I make this bread without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar for a more savory version of soda bread.
Why do I score the top of the dough?
Scoring helps the bread rise evenly and prevents it from cracking unevenly during baking.
Can I use self-rising flour for this recipe?
If you use self-rising flour, omit the baking soda and salt, as the flour already contains these ingredients.
Can I make this bread in a bread pan?
Yes, you can shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a greased bread pan, but the texture might be slightly different.
Why does my bread have a heavy texture?
This could be due to over-kneading the dough. Be gentle and avoid overworking it to maintain a light texture.
Can I add nuts to the bread?
Yes, adding walnuts or almonds will give the bread a crunchy texture and a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Irish soda bread from County Cork is a classic recipe that’s simple yet delicious. Its easy preparation, combined with the tang of buttermilk and the tenderness of the crumb, makes it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own twist, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as part of your next meal!
Irish Soda Bread from County Cork
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This authentic Irish Soda Bread from County Cork is a quick and easy recipe that produces a soft, slightly dense bread with a golden crust and tender crumb. Made with buttermilk and baking soda instead of yeast, it’s perfect for serving with soups, stews, or enjoying with a pat of butter. Its simplicity and flavor make it a classic favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Slowly add buttermilk, mixing until a dough forms. If needed, add more buttermilk to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until it forms a rough ball. Avoid over-kneading.
- Shape dough into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Score a cross on top of the dough with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add-ins: Enhance flavor by adding raisins, currants, or seeds.
- Herbs: Try adding rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
