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Traditional Irish Soda Bread

An easy Irish soda bread for St. Patrick's Day that doesn't require any yeast or kneading. It's fluffy, warm, crusty, and so delicious!
Print Recipe
overview shot of Irish soda bread with sliced pieces on the side

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for hands and surface)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 3/4 cup vegan buttermilk (Mix 1 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk with 2 Tbsps of apple cider vinegar, set aside for 10 minutes)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. If using a dutch oven, place it inside the oven to heat up while it is preheating.
  • Make homemade buttermilk by combining the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 10 minutes to curdle.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt with a spatula. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together in a slightly sticky ball.
  • Turn dough onto a floured piece of parchment paper and knead gently a few times. Form the dough into a ball (resembling like a large disk).
  • Cut an X into the dough with a sharp knife, about 1/4 of an inch deep. Place dough on your cast iron skillet with the parchment underneath. If using a dutch oven, place dough (with parchment paper underneath) in the hot dutch oven and cover with the lid. Or place on a cookie sheet or pizza stone.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes if using a cast iron skillet. If using a dutch oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, covered, then remove the lid and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes more or until the crust is dark golden brown.
  • Let it cool for about 15 minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy warm with soup, jam, butter, etc.
  • Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for 2-3 days on the counter or a week in the refrigerator… if it even lasts that long!
Servings: 1 loaf
Author: valeria.chao