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Quick Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe

*Updated* / By: 302 Comments

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This Irish Soda Bread Recipe is perfect for any day of the week. 

No kneading. No rising. No yeast. No waiting for HOURS! Quick, easy and delicious, your house will smell like a bakery.

A close up of Irish Soda Bread showing the nice X on the top.

Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this quick soda bread recipe.

Life is busy. My Black Olive & Tomato Bread makes me feel like an artisan. It takes a little time to make, but worth the effort. 

Traditional Irish Soda Bread is the perfect way to enjoy homemade bread using minimal ingredients and a fraction of the time.

RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this easy soda bread recipe are at the bottom of the post.

For This Recipe You Will Need:

  • flour
  • sugar
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • butter
  • buttermilk

Bread recipe ingredients in a bowl, buttermilk in a measuring cup on the side.

What Is Soda Bread?

A quick bread that does not use yeast or require rising time. It produces a dense and moist loaf with a golden crust. Baking soda and buttermilk act as the leavening agent.

Traditionally the 4 basic ingredients include flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. It can also be made with a combination of whole wheat flour and regular flour. Some recipes also include the addition of raisins.

How To Make Easy Irish Soda Bread

You will be a pro in no time. 

  • Place the flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
  • Add the buttermilk.
  • Mix with your hands to combine.
  • Turn dough onto a floured surface and mix until it forms a ball.
  • Place on a baking sheet.
  • Score
  • Bake

Soda bread dough on a wooden board.

I have baked it in a *(affiliate) cake pan, and a *(affiliate) cast-iron skillet. I prefer the old fashioned way. Just plop it onto a *(affiliate) baking sheet. Makes a great rustic looking loaf.

I like to top it with a little *(affiliate) coarse sea salt for a nice presentation. This is completely optional. Another great choice would be *(affiliate) Himalayan Pink Salt.

Recipe Tips

  • Do not over-work the dough. It will have an uneven and shaggy appearance. That is perfect.
  • Be sure to score the top of the bread before baking.
  • Be sure to use COLD butter. The colder the butter the less sticky the dough will be.
  • If you choose to bake the bread in a cast-iron skillet, be sure to add a few minutes to the baking time as it will take a little longer.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, here are some great buttermilk substitutes.

Knife cutting an X on the top of the bread.

How Long Will Soda Bread Last?

It will dry out quickly, so it is best eaten the day of baking. For longer use, wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can. Tightly wrapped it will freeze well for 3-4 months.

Why Does Irish Soda Bread Have A Cross On It?

It helps the center bake though. Folklore states: “to let the fairies out”.

What Do You Serve It With?

Most often it is served with soups, chilis, and stews. It is great for dipping and sandwiches. Toasted for breakfast is always a great way to enjoy it.

Is There Traditional Irish Brown bread?

There sure is. The ingredients include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, and molasses.

Are Soda Bread And Sourdough The Same Thing?

No, they are not. Sourdough uses yeast to make it rise. Soda bread uses buttermilk and baking soda

Overhead shot of Irish soda bread cut on a wooden board. Shamrock decorations around.

Making bread does not have to be time-consuming and complicated. This easy to make recipe makes an appearance quite often on our dinner table. 

Looking For More Quick and Easy Bread Recipes?

Soda bread is the perfect side to so many meals. Try it with:

Close up of pieces of soda bread.

Do you have a favourite quick bread recipe?

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Irish Soda Bread New Pin Image

A close up of Irish Soda Bread showing the nice X on the top.

Irish Soda Bread Quick Easy Recipe

Irish Soda Bread Quick Easy Recipe is just what you need to make freshly baked bread any day of the week. No yeast, no rising, no kneading. You only need 4 ingredients to make this soda bread recipe. Enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, and all year long. 
5 from 83 votes
Print Rate
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: Authentic, Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 379kcal
Author: Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350º F and choose your preferred baking pan, sheet or cast iron skillet. I just used a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • In a large bowl add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the butter and mix until crumbly.
  • Add the buttermilk (not all at once) and mix with your hand until moist.
  • Turn dough onto floured surface and blend until it forms a round ball. Flatten with your hand slightly to form a disc about 7-8 inches across.
  • Place on baking sheet. Score an X on the top with a sharp knife (about 1/2 way through the bread.
  • At this point, you can top with the coarse salt if you like.
  • Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes. Check with a cake tester. The top should be browned, and the bread will have a hollow sound when you tap on the bottom.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool. At this point, I am ready to rip off a chunk!!
  • ENJOY!!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 455IU | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 3mg

Notes

***NOTE** If you choose to bake this in a cast iron skillet, you will have to allow for more time as it takes time for the skillet to heat in the oven. DO NOT heat the skillet before putting the bread in to bake.
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Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marisa Franca

    Well, I think the fairies did their magic to the bread before you cut the dough and let them out. It’s a beautiful loaf and I bet it is perfect go-along with any meal. We are huge bread lovers and I’d love to have a warm slice slathered with butter. So yummy! I’m keeping this in mind for St. Patrick’s Day.

    Reply

  2. Veena Azmanov

    This is why I love soda bread. So simple, so easy and not waiting. Love all the detailed information . you provided Gloria. Need to try your recipe soon.

    Reply

  5. Linda

    Oh my! I love a warm, toasty bread like this and am gonna try this one. I mean, the fact that it only takes 1 hour to bake it from scratch definitely wins.

    Reply

  6. Danielle Wolter

    Why am I not making this bread??? I’m not much of a bread baker, but am all about a no-knead no yeast bread. it sounds so easy to make and I’ll bet it’s delicious. I hope I get a chance to try it this weekend!

    Reply

  7. Jolina

    I can’t believe how quick to bake this is!! I love making bread too but my default recipe usually takes a couple of hours just the waiting/rising alone so lol. Can’t wait to try this out. Perfect for dunking into soup!

    Reply

  8. Denise

    That looks beautiful! I like that it seems so simple. I am not a baker but I’ve always wanted to make good homemade bread. Actually it’s on my bucket list. However so far I have not been successful so I’ll have to try this recipe. It looks like it would be perfect with a bowl fo stew or soup!

    Reply

  9. Linda

    I’m a fan of irish Soda Bread too! I love how easy it is and it always comes out moist and delicious. And I’m with you on reaching for it while it’s hot and slathering on the butter. Now I’m thinking I need this for dinner tomorrow.

    Reply

  11. Lois Christensen

    A friend of mine and her husband always made Irish Soda Bread and would deliver it to our house on St. Patrick’s Day. But they moved away and I’ve been thinking of trying to make some for us this year. Your recipe came just in time! Looks really good.

    Reply

  13. Stine Mari

    Okay I didn’t know it was THAT easy! I love making bread and buns and all that, but it does take a long time. I will have to try this very soon!

    Reply

  14. Darlene @ Dip Recipe Creations

    I love the idea of making bread without waiting for it to rise. I don’t know if I’ve ever had Irish Soda Bread, but this looks great and sounds so easy.

    Reply

  17. Danielle

    I’ve been experimenting with lots of yeast breads lately, but dislike the time it takes to knead and rise. This looks like the perfect easy recipe for bread! Will be making it this weekend!

    Reply

  19. Byron Thomas

    When I read the part where you think breaking off a chunk of bread and slathering it with butter is fantastic, I knew we could be best friends. Really, there’s nothing as soothing and as therapeutic as warm, homemade bread. I was lucky enough to grow up in a home where homemade bread was all there way. My mom would make homemade bread twice each week, in large batches. I miss it tremendously! I’m just slowly practicing and perfecting my bread making skills, and I think this easy Irish soda bread would be a great place to start! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  20. Amanda

    Yum — I love how easy and delicious this looks. We always have a St. Patrick’s Day party, and this bread will be perfect. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  21. Veena Azmanov

    I have never made Irish soda bread – sounds yum. The dough looks so pliable and easy to manage. I love how simple and easy this recipe is. Saving for later.

    Reply

  26. Paige

    Yum, ”tis is perfect for this time of year hen it’s no too hot to turn he oven on! I really like how easy it looks, and love the thought of slathering a hot piece with butter!

    Reply

  29. lauren

    I can’t say I’ve actually ever had Irish soda bread, but like you said I also love having a nice hunk of bread to go with a big bowl of soup. The smell of fresh baking bread is one of my favorite smells in the world. I love how quick and simple the recipe is!

    Reply

  32. abra

    Those salt crystals on top! OMG! I could eat this entire loaf with an obscene amount of kerrygold butter on each bite 🙂 Can’t wait to try this recipe.

    Reply

  37. Amanda

    I, too, love how easy it is to make Irish Soda Bread. It really comes together so quickly, and I love that rustic, craggily texture. I hadn’t heard the folklore about the cuts in the top being to “let the fairies out.” How fun! I absolutely love that. I’ll have to tell my St. Patrick’s dinner guests this year when I put the soda bread on the table!

    Reply

  39. Donna

    Soda bread is the BEST! I grew up in Ireland and Soda bread was a staple in our house. I haven’t made my own in years, but it is still up there in my list of absolute favorite comfort foods. I am looking forward to trying this version out!

    Reply

  40. Michelle

    I cannot tell you how much I love Irish soda bread – although the version my Gram passed down has raisins and other nontraditional ingredients. I could eat this every day.

    Reply

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