Authentic Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This post was created as part of a sponsored press trip hosted by Visit Great Britain and Belfast.

Looking for an authentic Irish soda bread recipe? This classic Irish staple is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just four humble ingredients that transform into an irresistible loaf of bread. Irish soda bread is so easy to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s simple, rustic, and can be a great addition to accompany any comforting Irish soup or stew.

The story of Irish soda bread begins in the 1830s, when baking soda first arrived in Ireland. The soft wheat grown in Ireland’s climate wasn’t ideal for yeasted breads, but it turned out to be perfect for this quick bread version. The beauty of this authentic Irish soda bread recipe lies in its honest simplicity – the chemical reaction between buttermilk and baking soda creates the perfect rise, while the signature cross cut into the top ensures even baking throughout.

Learning To Make Authentic Irish Soda Bread In Belfast

I learned to make this Irish soda bread recipe while visiting Belfast for a conference. A group of us took a break from meetings and spent the afternoon just outside of town at Larchfield Estate. It’s a beautiful historic home that’s been lovingly renovated by the current owners. The property is well equipped to host groups for weddings and events and such. We were hosted for a few hours for a cooking class and dinner in their historic kitchen and gathered around a large wood table to each make our own soda bread. (I was seriously fan-girling a bit because it reminded me of Downton Abbey. Peep that oven in the background!)

Since there was a group of us, we baked the soda bread on a skillet! Yes, eight loaves baked on a skillet! So, this Irish soda bread recipe is not only the real deal, but it’s versatile too. You can bake it, cook it on a stove top in a skillet, or even whip it up on a cast iron over an open fire while while camping. I love it.

How To Make Authentic Irish Soda Bread

First, gather together the ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk. The secret ingredient here for this authentic Irish soda bread is the buttermilk. It’s a cultured dairy product that helps the dough rise quick. So in just a half hour, you’ll have a hearty rustic loaf that’s oh so decadent with a dab of Irish butter or strawberry jam.

Next, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda.

Use your fingers to dig a little well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour the buttermilk into the well. Stir together until you get a shaggy dough. Move the dough to a flat, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough about 7-8 times, about 2 minutes. The dough will get softer and smoother but will still have some rough edges.  

Transfer the dough to the lined pan. Use a sharp knife to cut an X into the top of the loaf about a half an inch deep. Bake for 30-35 minutes.  The outside of the bread will be a lovely golden brown and will give off a hollow sound if you tap it.  

Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing or simply break off chunks and serve warm with butter or jam. 

A Few Recipe Tips:

This is one baking recipe where you don’t have to be *exact* in the measurements. Have some extra flour and buttermilk on hand so you can add a bit more of each if necessary.

I like to make small, 6 or 7 inch round loaves, but the recipe can easily be doubled if you want to make two loaves to have for a dinner party, or to have one extra for breakfast in the morning.

There is no need to purchase buttermilk, you can make your own. Measure out 1 and 1/2 cups of milk and add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar to it. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes  then use a fork to whisk smooth.  

This is a great recipe to experiment with. Try adding raisins and cinnamon to the dough for something a little more sweet for breakfast. 

Want to save this recipe? Pin it!