Irish Soda Bread in a Skillet is a rustic and comforting bread that is simple to make and full of traditional flavor. Unlike yeast breads that require time to rise, soda bread uses baking soda as the leavening agent, allowing the dough to rise quickly and making it perfect for home bakers who want fresh bread without a long preparation process.
This version, baked in a skillet, develops a beautiful golden crust while staying soft and tender inside. The skillet helps distribute heat evenly, creating a lightly crisp exterior that contrasts with the fluffy crumb of the bread. Cast iron skillets are especially popular for this recipe because they retain heat well and give the bread its signature rustic look.
The ingredients for Irish soda bread are simple and traditional. Flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk form the base of the dough. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create the rise, while also adding a subtle tangy flavor that gives the bread its distinctive taste. Butter can also be added for extra richness and tenderness.
The dough is mixed quickly and handled gently to keep the bread light. Overworking the dough can make the bread dense, so it is usually shaped into a round and placed directly into the skillet. A traditional cross is often cut into the top of the dough before baking. This not only helps the bread bake evenly but is also a long standing tradition believed to let steam escape while baking.
Irish Soda Bread in a Skillet pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory foods. It can be served warm with butter, homemade peach jam, or honey for breakfast, or alongside soups and Irish stews for a comforting meal. The bread’s hearty texture makes it perfect for dipping or spreading with soft cheeses.
With its crisp crust, tender crumb, and simple ingredients, Irish Soda Bread in a Skillet is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and tradition to any table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Make a well in the center and gradually add the buttermilk, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead for a minute until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in the prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Soda bread be like a biscuit but in loaf form! Who knew? Love it! 😂
This soda bread turned out amazing! I added some raisins and it was a hit with the family.
It took longer than 35 minutes to bake. Is everyone’s oven temperature the same? Mine was 450!
I think everyone’s oven can be a bit different. Mine usually bakes things faster! Maybe try a lower temp next time? 😊
I’m not sure about using a skillet for bread. It seems strange but it worked surprisingly well.
Just made this and forgot the knife part, so it didn’t rise much. Oops! 🤦♂️
Wow, I never knew a knife was needed for bread! Crazy, right? 😂
Haha, no worries! It happens to the best of us. Just a little more rise next time! 👍
I made it just as you said, but it was too dry! I don’t think I did anything wrong.
❤️ Just perfect, I’m making this like every week now!!
I can’t bake, so my wife made it. She said it’s easy but I think she just likes to show off! 😏
Best recipe ever!! So easy and quick, I even cooked it on the stovetop by accident!
I used regular milk instead of buttermilk. Still turned out great but maybe would’ve been better with the right stuff?
Lol this is just bread! What’s the big deal? But I do like it, not gonna lie.
Why do you have to knead it? I thought bread was better if you just let it sit. 🤔
This bread is amazing! So easy to make and tastes just like my grandmother used to make. Thumbs up!
It was okay but a bit too salty for my taste. I think next time I’ll reduce the salt. 🤷♀️
Delicious and super fluffy! I’m definitely adding this to my regular baking list. 🥰
Like, is it really that easy?? I was skeptical but it worked! Thx!
Totally! I was surprised too, but it’s super easy and tastes amazing! Glad it worked for you!
This is the easiest bread recipe ever! Made it today and it turned out perfect. 😋
Super easy recipe! I never baked bread before but this turned out pretty good. Will definitely make again!
I don’t get the hype. The bread turned out too dense for my taste.
I think I forgot the salt… It’s bland 🙁. Please remind me to check next time.
Oh no! Salt is super important for flavor. Just remember to double-check next time. I hope it’s still okay!
You could try adding some butter on top when it’s done! Might help with the blandness a bit.
Can’t believe people are raving about this. It’s just flour and buttermilk… I mean, how hard can it be? Not worth the hype.
Delicious! But is this even real Irish soda bread? I thought it had raisins in it? 🤔
I think traditional Irish soda bread can vary a lot. Some do have raisins, but it’s not a must! This one looks great! 😋
I tried this and it was a disaster. My dough was way too sticky and I ended up with a gooey mess. Not impressed.
I don’t get it, why no yeast? Isn’t that like, essential for bread? 🤔
But how can it be real bread without yeast? Isn’t that like making cake with no sugar??
Yeast is not needed for soda bread! It’s a quick bread that uses baking soda instead. 😊
Irish bread ain’t gotta be complex! Just flour, some soda, and it tastes great. This is how we do it!
This recipe is so easy! My family loved it. Definitely making it again!
So glad to hear that! It’s super simple and tastes amazing, right? 🥰
Really? I found it kinda confusing with the kneading part. Mine turned out dense. 🤔
Yum! 🍞
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out. 🍞