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Traditional Irish Soda Bread slathered in real butter makes the perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal accompaniment. It comes together quickly and only four ingredients are needed! In the nick of time, your kids, family and friends will feast on this soft and delish bread which may be paired with our not so traditional St. Patrick’s Day Shake.

Easy Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe by Kids Activities Blog — _{Let’s make traditional Irish soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day!}

What is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish Soda Bread is yeast-free and relies on the science experiment that happens between the acidic milk and baking soda to rise.

Let’s Make this Recipe for Irish Soda Bread

Really, our Irish soda bread recipe is yummy enough that it can be eaten any time of the year when you want homemade bread, but don’t have the time to wait for yeast dough to rise.

You’ll have warm bread in just 40 minutes from start to finish, because Irish soda bread uses baking soda (along with buttermilk) as a leavening agent. Many folks add caraway to their bread for added flavor, but you don’t have to.

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Ingredients Needed to Make Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Ingredients to make the traditional Irish soda bread recipe by Kids Activities Blog — _{Here are the things you need to make a traditional Irish soda bread.}

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (you can also use 1 1/4 cups whole milk mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar, allow to stand for a minute to thicken)

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Steps to make easy irish soda bread recipe - collage of bread dough kneaded, bread dough in pan and cut finished Irish soda bread recipe — _{Overview on how to make traditional Irish soda bread.}

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Step 2

In a medium bowl mix together the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the mixture and add buttermilk.

Step 4

Using a spoon, gently mix together until combined and a wet dough is formed.

Step 5

Turn out onto a well floured surface and very lightly knead in a small amount of flour just until it is no longer sticky and begins to form a ball.

DO NOT OVER KNEAD or add too much flour, or else you will end up with a dry, hard bread.

Step 6

Gently place onto a greased baking sheet or cast iron skillet and cut about a one-inch cross or “x” into the top of the dough.

Step 7

Bake for 35 minutes.

You will know the Irish soda bread is done because it will make a hollow sound when lightly tapped.

Step 8

Slather the outer top crust in melted butter and serve immediately. Keeps wrapped for a day or so.

How to Eat Irish Soda Bread

Eating Irish Soda Bread is the easy part! I love to cut off a slice when it is still warm and then smother it with real butter and some orange marmalade. But anything you like on toast works well on Irish Soda bread. If you are slicing off a cold slice, put it in the toaster to lightly brown it.

How long will homemade Irish soda bread last?

Store your Irish Soda bread in an airtight container after it has cooled completely. It will dry out over time and can be kept for 3-4 days when fresh at room temperature. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe for Irish Soda Bread FAQ

Is Irish brown bread the same as soda bread?

No, Irish Brown bread is made from wheat flour/wheat bran which makes it a darker color with a deeper, nuttier flavor. Irish Soda bread uses just white flour which makes it lighter in both color and taste.

What makes Irish soda bread different?

The texture of Irish Soda bread makes it something special to eat. Because most bread uses traditional yeast, the texture of Irish Soda bread stands out and creates a unique eating experience.

Yield: 1 bread

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

This traditional Irish bread can be done quickly with only four ingredients and brings out a soft and yummy bread.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (you can also use 1 1/4 cups whole milk mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar, allow to stand for a minute to thicken)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 F.
In a medium bowl mix together the dry ingredients.
Make a well in the center of the mixture and add buttermilk.
Using a spoon, gently mix together until combined and a wet dough is formed.
Turn out onto a well floured surface and very lightly knead in a small amount of flour just until it is no longer sticky and begins to form a ball.
DO NOT OVER KNEAD or add too much flour, or else you will end up with a dry, hard bread.
Gently place onto a greased baking sheet or cast iron skillet and cut about a one-inch cross or “x” into the top of the dough.
Bake for 35 minutes.
You will know the Irish soda bread is done because it will make a hollow sound when lightly tapped.
Slather the outer top crust in melted butter and serve immediately. Keeps wrapped for a day or so.