Whole-Wheat Irish Soda Bread (2024)

Nutrition Notes

Is Whole-Wheat Soda Bread Good for You?

Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Per serving, the whole-wheat flour in this recipe provides about 10% of your daily fiber needs—and fiber has numerous health benefits, including a healthier gut and more regular bowel movements. It also helps keep you full and satisfied.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Where Did Soda Bread Originate?

According to many historians, the earliest recipes for soda bread were published in the early 1800s in the United Kingdom. And some say that Native Americans were leavening bread with pearlash (a byproduct of wood ash) well before that.

Is Bread Soda the Same as Baking Soda?

Yes, it’s the same thing. Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, which is a combination of baking soda, monocalcium phosphate and corn starch. This powdered trifecta and the chemical reaction that happens when it’s introduced to a liquid is what gives a good rise, crumb and fluff in breads and other baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Soda Bread Be Made Ahead?

Yes, but we think the flavor and texture of soda bread are best when eaten the day it’s baked. Plus, it's a kind of bread that can get stale sooner than regular bread. You can make it a couple of days beforehand (no need to refrigerate it), and you can freeze slices for a few months, but you might want to toast the bread after doing this. Be sure to store the soda bread in an airtight container or wrap it well.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little flour.

2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Using one hand, stir in full circles (starting in the center of the bowl working toward the outside of the bowl) until all the flour is incorporated. The dough should be soft but not too wet and sticky. When it all comes together, in a matter of seconds, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Clean the dough off your hand.

3. Pat and roll the dough gently with floury hands, just enough to tidy it up and give it a round shape. Flip over and flatten slightly to about 2 inches. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Mark with a deep cross using a serrated knife and prick each of the 4 quadrants.

4. Bake the bread for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F and continue to bake until the loaf is brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped, 30 to 35 minutes more. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let cool for about 30 minutes.

   

Tips

Easy cleanup: Recipes that require cooking spray can leave behind a sticky residue that can be hard to clean. To save time and keep your baking sheet looking fresh, line it with a layer of foil before you apply the cooking spray.