Irish Bread

Celebrate the timeless charm of traditional **Irish Bread**, a rustic and easy-to-make favorite that brings the flavors of the Emerald Isle straight to your kitchen. This no-yeast bread recipe features a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking soda, and buttermilk. The secret lies in the cold unsalted butter, which adds flakiness, and optional raisins for a touch of natural sweetness. Ready in just an hour, this hearty loaf comes together with minimal kneading and boasts a signature scored cross, symbolizing tradition and ensuring even baking. Perfect for serving warm with butter or jam, or as a comforting accompaniment to soups and stews, this classic soda bread is a must-try for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. Keywords: Irish Bread, soda bread, traditional Irish recipe, easy homemade bread, no-yeast bread, rustic bread recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
• 0.5 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 3

Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If you're using raisins, fold them into the mixture at this stage.

Step 5

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 4-5 times, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. Avoid overworking the dough, as it can lead to a tough bread.

Step 7

Shape the dough into a round loaf about 1.5 inches thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) into the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly and traditionally symbolizes a blessing.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1072.9 grams (1072.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2726

Total Fat 65.30g	84%
Saturated Fat 38.20g	191%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 171mg	57%
Sodium 4105mg	178%
Total Carbohydrate 467.70g	170%
Dietary Fiber 16.30g	58%
Total Sugars 85.20g
Protein 66.40g	133%

Vitamin D 250IU	1250%
Calcium 622mg	48%
Iron 24mg	133%
Potassium 1743mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.6%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 68.7%