Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Bread (Printable Format)
Rustic Irish soda bread with a golden crust and tender crumb, made with four simple ingredients.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a wooden spoon just until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead briefly just until it holds together, avoiding overworking. Shape into a round, slightly flattened loaf approximately 2 inches thick.
05 - Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep X across the top, about halfway through the dough.
06 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
07 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- No proofing, no waiting, just honest bread ready in under an hour
- The crust sings when you tap it—thats how you know its perfect
- Your kitchen will smell like a warm Irish bakery in minutes
02 -
- Work quickly once you add buttermilk—the baking soda starts reacting immediately
- That X shape isnt just tradition, it helps the heat penetrate the thickest part of the loaf
03 -
- If the bottom browns too fast, slide a baking sheet underneath to shield it
- The dough should feel sticky and shaggy—if its too dry, add another tablespoon of buttermilk