Irish Soda Bread

4.91 from 66 votes

Irish Soda Bread only requires 4 ingredients and is ready in just 45 minutes, start to finish. Add raisins or caraway or keep it plain.

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: Irish Soda Bread

Servings: loaf

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of the flour, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1 cup raisins (if using), and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (if using). Stir just until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 1 to 2 minutes, gradually adding an additional ½ to 1 cup of flour as needed until the dough is firm but not sticky.
Shape the dough into a round ball and lightly dust the surface with flour. Place it on an ungreased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slash a 1-inch (2.5 cm) deep cross on top of the loaf.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

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*This bread is a salty bread. If you are sensitive to salt or prefer it to be more plain, you can reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon.