Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Bread (Printable)
Rustic Irish loaf with golden crust and tender crumb, made using just four wholesome ingredients.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead briefly just until it holds together. Shape into a round, flattened loaf about 2 inches thick. Place on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf, extending about halfway through the dough.
06 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until loaf is deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
07 - Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The satisfaction of pulling a gorgeous homemade bread from your oven in under an hour
- That irresistible contrast between a crackly, golden crust and impossibly tender interior
02 -
- The hollow tap test is your best friend for determining doneness
- Over-kneading is the number one mistake—this dough wants minimal handling
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients help everything come together smoothly
- A sharp knife makes the cleanest cut for that signature X pattern