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Crispy Irish Soda Bread with Rosemary and Sea Salt

crispy Irish soda bread - featured image

This easy homemade Irish soda bread features a crispy golden crust, fragrant rosemary, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a quick, rustic loaf perfect for brunch, family gatherings, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) full-fat buttermilk (or milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar/lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon additional chopped rosemary (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place rack in the center. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and rosemary. Stir until evenly distributed.
  3. Mix in granulated sugar if using.
  4. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk (or substitute).
  5. Gently fold ingredients together with a spoon until just combined. Dough should be ragged and sticky.
  6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf about 2 inches tall.
  7. Line a baking sheet or cast iron skillet with parchment paper and place the loaf in the center.
  8. Score a deep ‘X’ on top of the loaf with a sharp knife or bench scraper.
  9. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and additional rosemary.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crust is crispy. Bread should sound hollow when tapped.
  11. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 15 minutes.
  12. Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm with butter or as desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute flours with a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk plus lemon juice. Don’t overmix the dough for a tender crumb. Bread is best served warm and can be frozen in slices. Re-crisp in oven or broiler if needed. Add-ins like cheese, seeds, or alternative herbs work well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, rosemary, sea salt, easy bread, quick bread, crispy crust, homemade, brunch, comfort food, no yeast