Rustic Irish Buttermilk Soda Bread
This Rustic Irish Buttermilk Soda Bread is a traditional favorite that combines simple ingredients to create a wholesome, hearty loaf. With its dense and rustic texture, this bread may not win beauty contests, but its flavors are rich and satisfying. The outer crust is beautifully rough and crispy, while the inside remains delightfully chewy. Perfectly served warm with generous pats of butter, this bread holds its own alongside stews, soups, or makes for a fantastic sandwich base. Just be mindful of the humidity, as the amount of buttermilk can vary slightly to achieve the perfect dough consistency. This bread captures the essence of Irish tradition in every bite!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
4 cups (Sifted before measuring)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Buttermilk
1 - 1 1/2 cups (Use as needed, preferably at room temperature)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet by brushing it with melted butter or spraying it with non-stick spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
3
Gradually incorporate 1 cup of buttermilk into the flour mixture, stirring continuously until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If the dough is still dry and crumbles, slowly add up to an additional 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together.
4
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With your hands, gently pat the dough into a round loaf that is approximately 8 inches in diameter.
5
Place the shaped loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a 1/2-inch deep cross ("X") incision on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread rise and cook evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is a lovely golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm, rustic bread with generous servings of butter.
Nutrition Information
0.75g
Fat
36g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Irish Buttermilk Soda Bread?
It is a traditional favorite that combines simple ingredients to create a wholesome, hearty loaf with a dense and rustic texture.
What are the core ingredients?
The main ingredients are all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated and set to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
How long does this bread take to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 45 minutes until golden brown.
Why is an X cut into the top of the loaf?
A 1/2-inch deep cross incision helps the bread rise and cook evenly during the baking process.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Describe the texture of the crust.
The outer crust is beautifully rough and crispy, providing a rustic feel.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1.5 cups of buttermilk, depending on the dough consistency.
Does this recipe use yeast?
No, this is a quick bread that uses baking soda as the leavening agent instead of yeast.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 0.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each serving provides about 5.25g of protein.
Is there fiber in this bread?
Yes, there is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
The bread contains a very low amount of sugar, approximately 0.25g per serving.
What is the ideal size for the loaf?
The dough should be patted into a round loaf approximately 8 inches in diameter.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Brush the baking sheet with melted butter or spray it with non-stick spray.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It is best served warm with butter and pairs perfectly with stews and soups.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring.
What temperature should the buttermilk be?
It is preferable to use buttermilk at room temperature for the best results.
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If the dough is dry or crumbles, slowly add up to an additional 1/2 cup of buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time.
Is the inside of the bread chewy?
Yes, while the outside is crispy, the inside remains delightfully chewy.
Is this bread considered a savory item?
Yes, it is categorized as a savory homemade bread.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Can I use this bread for sandwiches?
Yes, the dense texture makes it a fantastic base for various sandwiches.
Is this a traditional Irish recipe?
Yes, it is designed to capture the essence of Irish tradition in every bite.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are approximately 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires only 4 simple ingredients.
Is this classified as a quick bread?
Yes, it is part of the quick breads category as it does not require rising time.
How should I shape the dough?
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently pat it into a round loaf with your hands.
Does humidity affect the recipe?
Yes, the amount of buttermilk needed can vary slightly depending on the humidity level.