Quick and Easy Irish Soda Bread

Name: Quick and Easy Irish Soda Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Posted on December 14, 2025

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This delicious Irish Soda Bread comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up golden brown for a quick and easy side dish that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients by adding in some raisins or herbs to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! It’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or whenever you need a bit of comfort food on your table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s chat about what you’ll need to whip up this bread. I promise, it’s super simple, and you probably have most of these ingredients hanging out in your kitchen!

Flour

4 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base for the bread. Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier version, but note that it might change the texture a bit.

Baking Soda

1 teaspoon baking soda: This is what makes the bread rise. It’s what gives the soda bread its lovely fluffiness without needing yeast!

Salt

1 teaspoon salt: A couple pinches always enhance the flavor, but this amount helps balance everything and adds necessary seasoning.

Buttermilk

1 3/4 cups buttermilk: This magical ingredient gives the bread its tender crumb and fabulous flavor. If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute! Just add a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Easy peasy!

How to Make Irish Soda Bread

Ready to fire up that oven? Let’s get to it!

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). We want it megahot for the ultimate rise!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined, about 30 seconds or so. Take in that lovely floury smell; it’s a sign that comfort food is about to happen.
Make the Dough: Make a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Yes, it will look a bit messy. Embrace it! This is what you want, don’t panic!
Shape the Loaf: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for just about 30 seconds until it comes together. Don’t overdo it! We want the loaf tender and fluffy, not dense.
Round It Up: Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Okay, Mama : here’s the fun part! Use a sharp knife to cut a cross in the top, this helps it cook evenly and also lets the steam escape. Plus, it looks super rustic!
Bake Away: Pop that beauty into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it. Also let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Aromas will waft through your kitchen and make your mouth water!

Personal Connection

This is my go-to recipe for when I’m craving something cozy and comforting! Honestly, I’m a real sucker for bread that practically makes itself. There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked soda bread filling the house… it immediately reminds me of family gatherings. The best part is that you can whip it together using whatever you’ve got in your pantry! It just makes my heart happy.

If you loved this Irish Soda Bread, be sure to check out my Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes, my Blueberry French Toast Casserole, or my Easy Garlic and Rosemary Pull Apart Bread!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Irish Soda Bread comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s a fast way to get a fresh bread on your table, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss.

No Yeast Required

With no yeast needed, there’s no waiting around for dough to rise. It’s a dump-and-go kind of recipe! Just mix it up and bake it, and you’ll have a warm loaf in no time.

Budget-Friendly

Utilizing everyday, affordable ingredients means this bread doesn’t break the bank. No trip to the specialty store required here! What a relief, right? Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have at home.

Customizable

Oh, and did I mention it’s totally customizable? If you like it sweet, toss in a handful of raisins, or if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme!

Comfort Food

This bread is so great because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love homemade bread? It’s warm, hearty, and oh-so satisfying. It’s like a big hug in food form, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

This bread is excellent on its own, but it pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and even hearty salads. Slather it with a bit of butter, oh my gosh! Or use it to scoop up a delicious chili, and it’s pure magic.

Storage

If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be real, is not super likely), you can store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pop it in a toaster oven for a few minutes or wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Just enough to bring back that fresh-baked flavor!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze this bread. Cut it into slices and wrap well in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster straight from the freezer.

Note on Leftovers

I usually make this recipe while listening to my favorite playlist… you should too! It creates a cheerful kitchen atmosphere just like the cozy warmth of the bread itself.

So there you have it—my favorite Irish Soda Bread! This recipe is quick, fun, and above all, loaded with flavor that your family will adore. It’s truly an effortless side dish that makes any meal feel special. Now, go ahead and give it a try!

And remember to get creative! You really can use whatever you’ve got on hand, resulting in a new surprise each time you bake. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.

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