Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, fragrant loaf with a crisp crust, made with simple pantry staples and fresh rosemary for a classic Irish twist. This irish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, tablespoon baking powder, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary until the herb is evenly distributed through the dry ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in 1 cup buttermilk and 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a lightly floured surface.
  6. Step 6: Knead the dough 3 times until just combined, then shape into a 9-inch round loaf.
  7. Step 7: Place the loaf in the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread?

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 Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread 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 Rosemary-Buttermilk Soda Bread?

Irish vegetarian 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.

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