Authentic 4-Ingredient Irish Bread (Printable Version)

Rustic Irish bread with a golden crust and tender crumb using just four main ingredients.

# What You Need:

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour

02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda

03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it.

02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

03 - Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it comes together—avoid overworking the dough.

05 - Shape the dough into a round, slightly flattened loaf about 2 inches thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

06 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep X across the top of the loaf to allow for expansion during baking.

07 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

08 - Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.

01 -

Four simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen right now
Ready from start to finish in just 45 minutes with zero yeast or proofing time
That X on top isnt just tradition, it helps the bread bake evenly and lets the steam escape properly

02 -

Overworking the dough makes it tough, so handle it as little as possible
The hollow sound when tapping the bottom is the true test that its done inside
Warm bread is tempting, but slicing too soon releases steam and makes the crumb gummy

03 -

Cut the X deeper than you think you should, it really does make a difference in how the bread bakes
If the bottom is browning too fast, slide a baking sheet onto the rack below