Spice Free Classic Irish Soda Bread
Few breads are as honest and satisfying as this one — just flour, baking soda, salt, and cold buttermilk, brought together into a rustic round loaf with a crackly golden crust. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to give the bread its lift, which means no yeast, no proofing, and no long wait before you're pulling something beautiful out of the oven. Because the ingredient list is so stripped back, this is naturally free from any herbs, spices, or seasonings that can make other breads off-limits for sensitive eaters. The deep cross scored into the top isn't just traditional — it helps the heat reach the center so every part of the loaf bakes through evenly. Resting the loaf after baking lets the crumb finish setting, so you get clean slices instead of a gummy interior. Serve it warm with butter, alongside a bowl of soup, or simply on its own — it's the kind of bread that doesn't need anything extra to shine.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk, cold
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or place a cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat.
- 2
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
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