If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade bread recipe with minimal ingredients, this traditional Irish soda bread is the perfect choice.

With just four simple ingredients, you can bake a delicious, rustic loaf that’s great with butter, jam, soups, or stews. Unlike yeast-based breads, this one comes together fast—no waiting for the dough to rise!

Irish soda bread is a classic, no-fuss bread that comes together quickly and requires no yeast.

With a tender crumb and a crisp crust, it’s perfect for serving with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty meal. This simple recipe delivers a delicious homemade loaf in no time!

We’re making an easy, delicious Irish soda bread. This classic bread is simple to make and doesn’t require yeast, making it perfect for a quick, homemade loaf with a tender crumb and crisp crust.

A Brief History of Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The chemical reaction that makes this bread rise was originally discovered by Native Americans, who used pearl ash to leaven their flat cakes.

In Ireland, where yeast was scarce, baking soda became a key ingredient in bread-making.

Traditional Irish soda bread was made with four ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Over time, variations emerged, incorporating sugar, butter, raisins, and seeds or cheese for added flavor.

Irish soda bread is a quick bread that relies on baking soda as the leavening agent instead of yeast. This gives it a dense yet tender texture and a crisp crust.

The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread rise while giving it a subtle tangy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Only 4 Ingredients – No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients required.
✔ No Yeast & No Kneading – A foolproof, beginner-friendly recipe.
✔ Ready in an Hour – Perfect for a last-minute side dish.
✔ Rustic & Flavorful – A hearty loaf with a golden crust and soft inside

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavor.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda – The key ingredient that helps the bread rise.
• 2 cups buttermilk – Adds moisture and activates the baking soda.

💡 Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar with 2 cups of milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

How to Make Irish Soda Bread (Step by Step)

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Be sure to sift the baking soda to avoid clumps.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk

Slowly pour in the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to come together. Do not overmix! The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Gently shape it into a round loaf, folding it onto itself a few times. Avoid kneading—it should remain rustic.

Step 5: Score the Top

Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (X) on top. This helps the bread expand while baking and is also a traditional Irish practice.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes.
• The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or alongside a hearty stew!

Expert Tips for Perfect Irish Soda Bread

1. Add Caraway Seeds for a Traditional Twist

Caraway seeds add a nostalgic, slightly earthy flavor. You can also experiment with other seeds or herbs for a unique touch.

2. Try Scallions and Cheese for a Savory Option

Chopped green onions (scallions) and grated cheese (like cheddar) create a rich, flavorful loaf. This version pairs well with soups and stews.

3. Use Whole Wheat Flour or Flaxseed for a Healthier Option

Replacing 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour gives you a more traditional Irish brown soda bread. Adding flaxseed enhances nutrition, lowers cholesterol, and keeps the bread moist.

4. Experiment with Cheese and Spice

For a bold flavor, add 200g of grated Kerrygold Reserve cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of chili flakes. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a deliciously crispy crust.

5. Substitute Buttermilk If Needed

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix whole milk with vinegar or lemon juice (1 ½ tablespoons per 1 ⅔ cups). It won’t have the same tangy depth, but it will still activate the baking soda.

6. Mix the Dough Quickly and Avoid Overworking It

Once you mix the wet and dry ingredients, work quickly. The baking soda starts reacting immediately, and you want that reaction to happen in the oven, not in the bowl.

7. Use Your Hands to Mix

Mixing the dough with your hand in a “claw” motion helps you feel the texture and prevents over-mixing, ensuring a tender crumb.

8. Control Dough Wetness

Hold back a bit of the buttermilk mixture at first. If the dough seems too wet, you can avoid adding the extra liquid to maintain the right texture.

9. Freeze for Later

If you’re not going to eat the whole loaf the same day, cut it in half and freeze what you don’t need. It stays fresh for weeks and reheats beautifully.

What to Serve with Irish Soda Bread

This rustic bread pairs perfectly with:

🍀 Irish Stew – A hearty, comforting dish.
🍀 Corned Beef & Cabbage – A classic Irish meal.
🍀 Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese – A delicious breakfast option.
🍀 Butter & Honey – For a simple yet satisfying snack.

Final Thoughts

This 4-ingredient Irish soda bread is one of the easiest homemade breads you’ll ever make. No yeast, no waiting—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or as a simple weeknight side, this traditional recipe is a must-try.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out!