Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe - Restless Chipotle (2024)

The best versions of this quick bread are crusty on the outside with a buttery, tender crumb - almost like a giant buttermilk biscuit. Some people use buttermilk and some use sweet milk - buttermilk is used in this easy recipe.

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

🗝️ Key takeaways

This easy, crusty Irish soda bread is the best for hearty stew and soup meals because the crust gives a satisfying crunch while the crumb soaks up broth without getting soggy.

• There's no waiting for it to rise or long baking times - and it's versatile enough to be a little sweet or just buttery or even a little savory.
• You know you'll want it on the table for St. Patrick's Day but it's delicious anytime with soup, stew, or as a breakfast bread.
• Try baking the loaf in a heavy cast iron skillet. The skillet will give it a crispy crust, and I just like how it looks.

If you really want your Irish soda bread to taste authentic try using half whole wheat flour in this recipe.

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

📖Variations

• Add a cup of raisins or dried cranberries. Raisins are often added to classic Irish soda bread.
• Use half whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour.
• Add a tablespoon or so of orange zest.
• Add some caraway seeds.
• Stir in shredded Cheddar with the butter - and omit the sugar.
• Try this lemon and lavender soda bread.

🔪 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

Crusty, tender, buttery, and tangy all at the same time, this easy buttermilk quick bread is delicious! You'll need about 55 minutes to make it.

1. Blend the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and grate the ice cold butter into them, stirring often with a fork to keep the butter shreds from sticking together. You want them to be totally covered in flour. If the butter starts to soften put it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Whisk the egg and buttermilk together until well blended then add to the dry ingredients, stirring quickly and gently. Don't overmix!

3. Mix gently until it holds together - it will be a crumbly shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a round. Slash a deep cross in the top. I like to sprinkle the top with sugar if it's being served for brunch.

4. Bake at 425F for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the finished loaf from the oven when it is golden brown and crusty - a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with just a few crumbs clinging to it. It will register 200F to 205F on on instant read thermometer. Let it cool for 10 minutes or so on a wire rack before serving.

🥫 How to store leftovers

Since this easy Irish soda bread recipe dries out very quickly keep it wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature - no need to refrigerate.

To freeze

This buttery quick bread freezes very well! Wrap it tightly and put it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

To reheat

Warm bread is always the best. Thaw if it's been frozen. Unwrap the bread and reheat it on a heavy baking sheet in a 325F oven for 10 minutes.

💭 Tips for success

Expert tip: Although most recipes call for cutting in the butter I like to grate it because the long strands make the bread bake up flakier and even more buttery.

• For best results, keep all of the ingredients very cold. If the butter starts to warm up put it AND the bowl of flour in the freezer for a few minutes.
• Don't overwork the dough. Just gently shape it into a round.
• Bake the loaf on a baking sheet or in a heavy iron skillet. The skillet will give it a crispier crust.
• Make your own real buttermilk with these methods!

👩🏻‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.

Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home these recipes will have you singing Irish ballads in no time.

• Lemon Lavender Soda Bread Recipe is a step up from the regular types! This tangy combination is perfect for Mother's Day or an afternoon tea.
• Bailey's Irish Temper is an Irish coffee recipe that's about to be your favorite.
• Irish Apple Cake with Whiskey Brown Butter Sauce is not too sweet. The apples are the star of this easy cake and the sauce adds just the right touch.
• Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Irish Cream Frosting is the recipe you want when your favorite chocoholic has a special occasion!
• Lemon Blueberry Scones for brunch or tea are a delicious change from muffins.
• English Muffin Bread is a no knead yeast bread that so quick and easy you can make it for breakfast.
• Apple Fritter Bread is a sweet, country style quick bread that goes beautifully with your morning coffee.

📞 The last word

I make all kinds of homemade bread - yeast breads, quick breads, rolls, muffins - you name it and I've tried making it. One of my favorite types of bread to make out of all of them is a fat, crusty loaf of traditional Irish Soda bread.

When I think of Ireland I think of countryside full of lush green grass spotted with sheep, winding roads, small villages with ancient, whitewashed houses... and lots of hearty country food.

I think of soups and stews served with big chunks of soda bread, warm from the oven with butter melting and soaking into the crevices.

If it's not that way please don't enlighten me.

You may also like this easy Guinness Irish Soda Bread. It's a little sweet and the technique for cutting in the butter makes it effortless.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

First published March 6, 2019. Last updated February 18, 2024 for editorial improvements and readability.

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