O Connor's Irish Soda Bread

O'Connor's Irish Soda Bread is a timeless classic that brings the comforting flavors of traditional Irish baking straight to your kitchen. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, this no-yeast bread delivers a soft yet hearty texture with a golden crust that’s impossible to resist. Chilled butter is worked into the dough for a rich, tender crumb, while an optional handful of raisins adds a subtle sweetness reminiscent of old-world charm. Perfectly scored with a signature "X" for even baking, this quick bread takes only 15 minutes to prep and is ready to enjoy warm from the oven in under an hour. Serve it as a rustic side for hearty stews or slathered with butter and jam for a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or indulging in everyday comfort, O'Connor's Irish Soda Bread is sure to fill your home with the aroma and taste of tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

If using raisins, stir them into the mixture at this stage.

Step 5

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together.

Step 6

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly—about 30 seconds—until it forms a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 7

Shape the dough into a round loaf, about 1.5 inches thick, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Using a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' across the top of the loaf. This helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10

Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or jam for a delightful treat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1196.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3126.4

Total Fat 65.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 171.0mg	0%
Sodium 4127.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 573.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 173.5g
Protein 69.0g	0%

Vitamin D 222.0IU	0%
Calcium 676.3mg	0%
Iron 25.6mg	0%
Potassium 2383.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.7%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 72.6%