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    Home » Homemade Recipes

    Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk

    March 1, 2022 by Kristin @ Dirt & Dough Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Irish soda bread is the easiest bread to make and uses basic kitchen ingredients. It's a classic recipe that we often associate with Saint Patrick's Day. It has a biscuit-like texture and is best served with some Irish butter. It's bread anyone can make.

    *Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

    Wood cheese board with a loaf of Irish soda bread and a bowl of Irish butter.

    When we think about Saint Patrick's day often people think that it's a time to make corned beef and cabbage. While that is wildly popular in America, it is in fact not a traditional Irish Saint Patrick's day dish.

    Soda bread however does have Irish roots and is a very popular bread for that region.

    Why is it called soda bread? The word soda does not refer to a carbonated beverage but rather the baking soda that is added to the flour mixture. The baking soda paired with acidic milk acts as the leavening agent and causes the bread to rise. Very similar to other quick bread, it does not require yeast to ferment over time.

    This bread requires very simple ingredients, takes 5 minutes to put together, and is a great side dish for your main St. Patrick's day meal. It is definitely the easiest homemade bread you could make.

    If you are used to baking homemade yeast bread don't expect soda bread to turn out the same. It is a very different taste and texture. Soda bread almost has the same properties as a biscuit but is a tad denser. It is also more crumbly than other bread. Just spread on a layer of Irish butter and enjoy.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk

    Ingredients

    Few notes on ingredients.

    The traditional Irish soda bread recipe is made with buttermilk, raisins, and caraway seeds. However, I don't always have real buttermilk sitting around. It is not an ingredient I use often or have on hand at all times. There is a workaround though!

    The acidity in the buttermilk is what helps activate the baking soda, so by adding vinegar to our regular milk we can achieve a similar chemical reaction.

    The total amount of liquid for this recipe needs to be 2 cups and the easiest way to achieve this is to take a 2 cup liquid measuring cup. First, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Then top it off with milk until the level reaches the 2 cup mark.

    This particular recipe calls for bread flour and it really does make a difference. I have made a lot of soda bread with both all-purpose flour and bread flour and with a side-by-side taste comparison, the bread flour came out on top. With that said, if all-purpose is what you have it will also work. Bread flour is just the preferred choice.

    • Bread Flour
    • Milk
    • White Distilled Vinegar
    • Salt
    • Baking Soda
    • Butter

    *Full measurements in the recipe card.*

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees. If using a cast-iron skillet place it in the oven at this time to start warming it up while the oven is also warming.

    In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup, combine the milk and vinegar and allow to sit for 10 minutes.

    Tip: Start off by adding the 2 tablespoons of vinegar and add milk until the volume of the liquid mix is 2 cups. The milk and vinegar combined shouldn't be more than 2 cups total.

    In a large mixing bowl add flour baking soda and salt then mix together.

    Bowl of flour with a small bowl dumping in baking soda and salt.

    Slowly add in the milk mixture with a fork or danish dough whisk as adding.

    Bowl with flour mix with milk and vinegar being poured in. A danish dough whisk mixing everything together.

    Mixing until everything is fully combined and starts to form a ball. Soda bread is a very sticky dough so make sure your hands and work surface are lightly floured.

    On a floured surface, remove dough from the bowl and using your hands, form the dough into a round loaf.

    Two hand forming a ball of Irish soda bread.

    Remove the heated skillet from the oven and add in 1 tablespoon of butter. This helps the bread from sticking and gives it a nice crispy crust.

    Add dough to the skillet and with a serrated knife cut a deep cross in the top of the bread. about ½-3/4" deep.

    A ball of Irish soda bread sitting in a hot cast iron with a serrated knife cutting a cross.

    Return to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If the top starts to get too dark you can lightly cover it with foil. This will prevent to top from burning.

    Remove from oven and place bread on a wire rack and allow to cool.

    A freshly baked loaf of Irish Soda Bread in a cast iron skillet

    Slice, then spread on some Irish butter and serve.

    A fresh loaf of Irish Soda bread with slices in a cast iron pan.

    Substitutions

    Buttermilk: If you do have buttermilk and want to make a more traditional loaf, just substitute the vinegar and milk for the same amount of buttermilk. 2 cups total.

    Variations

    A traditional Irish recipe will include raisins and caraway seeds. I have chosen to leave those out of this particular loaf. My family does not like either in our bread and I want to make bread they will love to eat. So if you want a true traditional soda bread go ahead and add these things. About 1 cup of raisins and 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds.

    If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, this bread can still be baked on a prepared sheet pan.

    Equipment

    Cast Iron skillet: I prefer to bake soda bread in a cast-iron skillet. It can also go on a baking sheet and will achieve the same result. The preheated cast iron just gives the crust a more crispy texture.

    Sharp Knife: To cut slices of bread.

    Large Mixing Bowl: Use a large bowl to have enough room to mix the dough together.

    Wire cooling rack: Allow the bread to cool on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.

    2 Cup Liquid Measuring Cup

    Storage

    Irish soda bread will last 2-3 days at room temperature. It will start to become dry each day so it's best eaten right away. Wrap it well in aluminum foil to help keep some of that moisture in.

    Soda bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. It will not be as fresh if stored this way.

    A cast iron skillet with a loaf of Irish Soda bread and a cutting board with Irish butter and slices of soda bread.

    Want to complete your Saint Patricks Day dinner? Consider making corned beef and cabbage or a shepherd's pie. While these recipes are not traditional Irish dishes they are a fun way to celebrate.

    Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
    Healthy and hearty sweet potato Shepherd's pie cooked and baked in a cast iron skillet. Beef sautéd with fresh veggies, topped with a creamy sweet potato mash. Bring it all together by finishing it up in the oven.
    Check out this recipe
    Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    Corned beef and cabbage is an American born dish that is typically made on Saint Patricks Day. Corned beef brisket slowly simmered in beef stock until tender with large chunks of veggies and wedges of cabbage. No need to wait for Saint Patrick's day. This dish is a winner all year round.
    Check out this recipe

    Soda bread also goes great with soups, chili, and stews! Try out these homemade soups to go along with your bread.

    • Sausage Kale and Potato Soup
    • Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Veggies
    • Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Bacon and Black Bean Chili

    Interested in learning how to make other homemade bread? Check out my sourdough tutorials and recipes and start making your very own homemade bread.

    • Easy Overnight Sourdough Bread
    • How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter
    • Sourdough Discard Naan
    • Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

    Did you try it? I would love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Leave me a comment below or tag me on social media @dirt.dough.

    Do you want recipes sent directly to your inbox? What about cooking tips and tricks, sourdough tutorials, and even some gardening inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter today. Don't worry. I don't spam. I just share my love and passion for all things food.

    Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk

    Irish soda bread is a classic recipe that we often associate with Saint Patricks Day. It's one of the easiest types of bread to make, uses basic ingredients, and has a soft crumbly texture. When paired with Irish butter, it will melt in your mouth! It's a bread everyone can make.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Bread
    Cuisine Irish
    Servings 8 People, Depending on size of slices

    Equipment

    Cooling Rack
    Large Mixing Bowl
    9" Cast Iron Skillet
    Sharp Serrated Knife
    2 Cup Liquid Measuring Cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 & ¾ Cup Milk See Notes for exact measurement
    • 2 Tablespoons White Distilled Vinegar
    • 4 & ¼ Cup Bread Flour
    • 2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
    • 1 Teaspoon Salt

    Optional

    • 4 Tablespoon Butter 1 Tablespoon for skillet and rest for spreading.

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven at this time to start warming it up.
    • In at least a 2 cup liquid measuring cup, combine the milk and vinegar and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Start off by adding the 2 tablespoons of vinegar and then add milk until the volume of the liquid mix is 2 cups. The milk and vinegar combined shouldn't be more than 2 cups total.
    • In a large mixing bowl, add flour and whisk in the baking soda and salt.
    • Slowly add in the milk mixture with a fork or danish dough whisk. Make sure to whisk ingredients together as you combine them.
    • Mix until everything is fully combined and starts to form a ball. Soda bread is a very sticky dough so make sure your hands and work surface are lightly floured.
    • On a floured surface, remove dough from the bowl and using your hands, form the dough into a round loaf.
    • Remove skillet from the oven and add in 1 tablespoon of butter. This helps the bread from sticking and gives it a nice crispy crust.
    • Add dough to the skillet and with a serrated knife cut a deep cross in the top of the bread. about ½-3/4" deep.
    • Return to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If the bread starts getting too brown you can cover with foil to prevent it from burning.
    • Remove from oven and place bread on a wire rack and allow to cool.
    • Slice, then spread on some Irish butter and serve.

    Notes

    Notes and Tips
    Milk Measurement: The total amount of liquid needs to be 2 cups and the easiest way to achieve this is to take a 2 cup liquid measuring cup and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Then top it off with milk until the level reaches the 2 cup mark.
    The acidity in the buttermilk is what helps activate the baking soda, so by adding vinegar to our regular milk we can achieve a similar chemical reaction.
    This particular recipe calls for bread flour and it really does make a difference. I have made a lot of soda bread with both all-purpose flour and bread flour and with a side-by-side taste comparison, the bread flour came out on top. With that said, if all-purpose is all you have it will also work. Bread flour is just the preferred choice.
    Substitutions
    Buttermilk: If you do have buttermilk and want to make a more traditional loaf, just substitute the vinegar and milk for the same amount of buttermilk.
    Variations
    A traditional Irish recipe will include raisins and caraway seeds. I have chosen to leave those out of this particular loaf. My family does not like either in our bread and I want to make bread they will love to eat. So if you want a true traditional soda bread go ahead and add these things. About a cup of raisins and 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds.
    If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, this bread can still be baked on a prepared sheet pan.
    Storage
    Irish soda bread will last 2-3 days at room temperature. It will start to become dry each day so it's best eaten right away. Wrap it well in aluminum foil to help keep some of that moisture in.
    Soda bread can be frozen for up to 2 months.  Although, it will not be as fresh if stored this way.
    Keyword Easy Bread, Irish Bread, Soda Bread
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    My name is Kristin and this is Dirt & Dough, where I share my love for all things homemade and homegrown. I have a deep passion for food, not just preparing but also growing my own. My desire is to teach and inspire others to start cooking delicious meals at home while learning to grow fresh produce in the garden.

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