Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

There’s something special about a rustic, hearty loaf of bread, and Irish Soda Bread is a classic that’s simple, forgiving, and full of history. Traditionally, it’s made without yeast, relying on baking soda as a leavening agent, making it an ideal choice when you want fresh bread without the long rise time. But in my kitchen, everything is better with a little sourdough magic!

What is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish Soda Bread has its roots in Ireland’s history of making do with what’s available. During times of financial hardship, such as the Irish Potato Famine, ingredients like yeast weren’t always easy to come by. Instead, Irish bakers used baking soda and buttermilk to create a quick and satisfying loaf.

Many variations exist—some include seeds, nuts, dried fruit, or even orange zest—but today, I’m giving it a sourdough twist. If you’re new to sourdough baking and haven’t started your own starter yet, check out my guide to making a sourdough starter to get started!

A Great Use for Sourdough Discard

Let’s be honest—sometimes we get busy, and our sourdough starters don’t get the love they deserve. I’ve definitely had those days (or weeks) where I forget to feed mine, and it starts looking a little sluggish. If your starter isn’t strong enough to bake a fully risen loaf, don’t worry—this is where sourdough discard recipes come in handy.

Since Irish Soda Bread doesn’t rely on yeast for rising, it’s a great way to use up discard while still getting that delicious, tangy sourdough flavor. Plus, giving your starter some use and a fresh feeding afterward is a great way to bring it back to life!

Watch Me Make Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Since I am brand new to Irish Soda Bread, I had to get a little help on this one. The original recipe that inspired this post is from The Gingered Whisk. She also has an amazing Irish Potato Soup Recipe you need to check out to go with the bread!

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Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Ingredients

• Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup sourdough discard (aka your sad starter)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 TBSP butter

• Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups flour plus some to dust baking sheet
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 TBSP sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use stone bakeware or place in Dutch oven
2. Whisk together the wet ingredients (sad starter, egg, butter and buttermilk). You can use a stand mixer if you want, but I don’t think it is necessary.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (2 cups flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt)
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together to form a sticky dough (Too dry, add more buttermilk. Too wet, add more flour)
5. Knead dough on floured work surface a few times. You don’t need to knead this a ton. If you over-knead, you may end up with a dense loaf of bread.
6. Lightly flour your baking sheet and place the ball of dough in the center
7. Scour the top of the bread with a deep X shape
8. Brush the top of the dough with buttermilk
9. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown
10. Let cool 15 minutes before cutting
11. Spread with your favorite topping and Slainte!

FAQs

What kind of flour should I use?
I typically use all-purpose flour, but whole wheat flour or even a blend works well. Traditional Irish Soda Bread often uses a coarsely ground whole wheat flour, giving it a hearty texture.

Why make Irish Soda Bread with sourdough?
Two reasons: flavor and nutrition! Sourdough adds depth to the otherwise mild taste of soda bread, and the fermentation process of sourdough also makes it easier to digest.

What do you eat with Sourdough Irish Soda Bread?
This bread is slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with butter, jam, honey, or even cream cheese. I personally love it with a jalapeño cranberry jam for a sweet-and-spicy kick. And if you’re feeling festive, it wouldn’t hurt to pair it with a pint of Guinness!

Pin It for Later!

This sourdough twist on Irish Soda Bread is easy, delicious, and a great way to use up your discard. If you try it, let me know how it turns out in the comments below!