Imagine a warm, rustic loaf straight from an Irish kitchen, where generations of family recipes whisper stories of comfort and tradition. Grandma Ford's Irish Soda Bread is more than just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a magical, crusty masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the rolling green hills of Ireland. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a bread so delicious, it'll become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the buttermilk, using a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1 minute, just enough to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
- Shape the dough into a round, slightly flattened loaf about 6-7 inches in diameter. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) into the top of the loaf. This traditional mark helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The bread is done when it has a deep golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.
- Serve warm with butter, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The bread is best enjoyed on the day it's baked.
Tips
- Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and rise. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 3/4 cups of regular milk.
- Don't overwork the dough! Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overworking will develop gluten and make your bread tough instead of tender.
- The deep cross cut isn't just decorative—it helps the bread cook evenly and allows steam to escape, creating that signature crispy crust.
- For extra flavor, consider adding mix-ins like dried currants, raisins, or caraway seeds to customize your soda bread.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to allow the interior to set and prevent a gummy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 168kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
