Soda bread

Name: Soda bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 0
Ingredients: Manitoba flour 1 ½ cup; Whole grain flour 1 ½ cup; Whole milk 1.6 cups; Fine salt 1 ½ tsp; Baking soda 1 ¼ tsp

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194

Calories per serving

Vegetarian

Energy Kcal 194
Carbohydrates g 35.1
of which sugars g 3.2
Protein g 7.6
Fats g 2.5
of which saturated fat g 1.22
Fiber g 2.9
Cholesterol mg 6
Sodium mg 585

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Makes: pieces
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Soda bread—a real classic. Straight from Ireland, it offers simple, homemade comfort without the fuss of yeast. You know, baking soda is the star here, teamed up with the tangy goodness of buttermilk. Really, this combo gives the bread its unique, slightly tangy flavor and a tender crumb. And listen, the dough is barely handled, keeping it rustic, with a crispy crust. Plus, the Irish tradition of cutting a cross on top before baking—it's more than just for looks, it helps the bread bake evenly. Each bakery and home might have its own twist—seriously good—but the mark of traditional soda bread is always the blend of bicarbonate and acidic milk. Often, a mix of white flour and whole wheat is used to create a heartier texture. Perfect for breakfast, right?

In Ireland, soda bread is usually served thickly sliced with creamy butter—maybe a spoonful of jam—and a steaming mug of tea. So, it’s common to enjoy it warm. It holds together beautifully for spreading toppings. And here's the thing, the best part is how quickly this Irish soda bread comes together. No need to wait around for the dough to rise. Ideal for busy mornings or whenever you need fresh bread in a hurry. Each bite brings a satisfying, farinaceous texture with a touch of a golden crust, which pairs wonderfully with sweet or tangy spreads. People often experiment with different flours—really really fun—but the heart remains simple.

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this easy soda bread brings a down-to-earth, homey flavor. Makes Irish breakfasts feel special—even if you are far from the green countryside. Whether you enjoy it as part of a hearty meal or a quick snack, soda bread is a beloved staple. It has the best of Irish culinary tradition. So next time you're in the mood for something comforting and quick, this bread? The perfect choice. For sure.

How to prepare Soda bread

To prepare the soda bread, pour the two flours into a bowl 1, salt 2, and baking soda 3.

Gradually pour in the milk while kneading with your hands 4, using a spatula and don't worry if the dough is sticky. As soon as the milk is completely absorbed and you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, transfer it into a mold, lined with a sheet of parchment paper, measuring about 8 inches across the top and 7 inches at the base 6.

Use a spatula to spread the dough throughout the pan and level the surface 7. Moisten a cutter and use it to make a cross-shaped cut 9.

At this point 10, bake in a preheated static oven at 392°F for 40 minutes on the middle rack. Remove the bread from the oven 11 and let it cool before slicing and serving 12.

Storage

You can store the soda bread in a plastic bag for up to 2 days. You can freeze the soda bread and thaw it at room temperature as needed.

Advice

Once, soda bread was cooked on griddles placed over the fire, due to the lack of bread ovens. Despite the advent of technology, this cooking method has been preserved, to the extent that today, specialized Irish bakers cook it in cast iron pots with lids.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Soda bread

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Soda bread

Storage

Advice

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