Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Irish bread made without yeast, featuring a simple dough with caraway seeds for a distinctive flavor, baked to a golden crust. This irish-inspired breakfast ready in about 55 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking soda, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp caraway seeds.
  3. Step 3: Make a well in the center, then pour in 1.5 cups buttermilk and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times until it comes together.
  5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a shallow cross on top with a sharp knife.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  7. Step 7: Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds 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 Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds?

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 Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds?

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 Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds 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 Simple Irish Soda Bread with Caraway Seeds?

Irish breakfast 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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