Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk
A rustic, tender soda bread with a golden crust, made using buttermilk and baking soda for a classic Northern Irish loaf. This british-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes pairs (480 g) all-purpose flour, baking soda, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tbsp (optional, for slight sweetness) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar.
- Step 3: Make a well in the center and pour in 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 6-8 times to bring it together, being careful not to overwork.
- Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf about 7 inches in diameter, place on the prepared baking sheet, and cut a deep cross on top with a sharp knife.
- Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Step 7: Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving with butter or jam.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (480 g) all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Northern Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk?
British quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
