Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic Irish soda bread loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb, lightly flavored with nutty caraway seeds and tangy buttermilk. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day 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 200 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Irish cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tsp caraway seeds until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: Make a well in the center and pour in 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Using a wooden spoon, stir gently until the dough just comes together; it will be shaggy and slightly sticky.
  5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead very gently 4-5 times to form a round loaf.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross on top.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving with butter or jam.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway 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 Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway?

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 Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway?

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 Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway 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 Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk and Caraway?

Irish st. patrick’s day 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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