How to Make Traditional Irish Soda Bread at Home

There’s something special about baking bread from scratch, especially when it’s a time-honored recipe like Irish Soda Bread. This humble yet flavorful bread is a cornerstone of Irish cuisine, known for its simple ingredients and rustic texture.

At Durazzo’s Deli, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and the rich traditions of Ireland by offering freshly baked Irish Soda Bread all month long. But if you’d like to try making it yourself, we’ve got you covered!

Read on to learn about the history of Irish Soda Bread, the key ingredients that make it special, and a foolproof recipe you can try at home.

A Brief History of Irish Soda Bread

Unlike other bread recipes that rely on yeast for rising, Irish Soda Bread uses baking soda (or “bicarbonate of soda” in Ireland) as its leavening agent. This technique became popular in Ireland in the 19th century when baking soda was introduced as an accessible alternative to yeast.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread was made with only four ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The simplicity of the recipe made it an essential staple in Irish households, especially in rural areas where yeast was hard to come by.

Over time, different variations emerged, incorporating ingredients like raisins, sugar, eggs, and even caraway seeds for extra flavor. Today, you’ll find many versions of soda bread, but at its core, it remains a symbol of Irish heritage, hospitality, and home cooking.

The Key Ingredients of Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread is all about keeping it simple and letting the ingredients shine. Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:

• Flour: Traditional recipes call for soft wheat flour, but all-purpose flour works just fine. Some bakers prefer a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Baking Soda: This is the star ingredient that gives soda bread its rise and airy texture.
• Salt: A small but essential ingredient that enhances flavor.
• Buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create the perfect rise and texture.

Want to add a bit of extra flavor? Try these optional ingredients:

• Sugar or Honey: For a slightly sweet touch.
• Raisins or Currants: A popular addition in Irish-American soda bread.
• Caraway Seeds: Adds a subtle earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Helps create a richer, more tender crumb.

Now, let’s get baking!

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• (Optional) 2 tablespoons sugar
• (Optional) ½ cup raisins or currants

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet (a traditional choice for baking soda bread).

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). If you’re adding raisins or caraway seeds, mix them in now to evenly distribute.

3. Add the Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.

4. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just a few times to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork it, as too much kneading can make the bread dense.

5. Form and Score the Loaf

Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or cast-iron skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep “X” on top—this isn’t just for decoration! It helps the bread bake evenly.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 400°F and bake for another 25-30 minutes. The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam, or a slice of sharp Irish cheddar.

Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread

1. Don’t Overmix! The less you handle the dough, the lighter and fluffier your bread will be.
2. Use Fresh Baking Soda. Since baking soda is the only leavening agent, make sure it’s fresh and active.
3. If You Don’t Have Buttermilk, Make Your Own! Mix 1 ¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Want a Crispier Crust? Bake the bread on a preheated cast-iron skillet or pizza stone.
5. For a Softer Crust, Wrap in a Towel. Once the bread comes out of the oven, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel as it cools—this will keep the crust softer.

Enjoy Freshly Baked Irish Soda Bread at Durazzo’s Deli

If you don’t have time to bake, Durazzo’s Deli has you covered! We’re offering freshly baked Irish Soda Bread all month long, made with the finest ingredients and a touch of tradition.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef and cabbage or simply looking for a rustic, homemade-style bread, our Irish Soda Bread is the perfect addition to your table.

Stop by Durazzo’s Deli this March and take home a loaf of authentic Irish Soda Bread—before it’s gone!