Irish Soda Bread

5 from 1 vote

Irish Soda Bread is a traditional side that's essential for any St. Patrick's Day meal. A tasty and easy bread recipe that's so easy to make!

Prep Time8

Cook Time45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: Irish Soda Bread

Servings: servings

Preheat oven to 375.
Grease a baking sheet.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Add 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup buttermilk and egg to dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Flour work surface.
Turn out dough and knead briefly.
Shape dough into a round shape and place on prepared sheet.
Whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk.
Brush loaf with buttermilk mixture.
Cut an X in the top of the loaf.
Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Brush with buttermilk mixture every 15 minutes or so while baking.

1. Don't overmix the dough: Unlike with yeast bread, you should mix Irish soda bread dough quickly and gently- just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense bread.
2. Use fresh baking soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent that makes Irish soda bread rise, so it's important to use fresh baking soda to ensure that the bread rises properly.
3. Score the bread: Before baking, use a sharp knife or a razor blade to score a deep "X" on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread rise properly and also give it a classic look