Easy White Soda Bread
User Reviews
4.7
Easy White Soda Bread
Description
This Easy White Soda Bread uses plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and buttermilk to create a traditional quick bread that bakes up with a golden crust and tender crumb. The dough is stirred just until combined, then shaped into a ball and scored deeply in a cross, encouraging proper rise and even cooking inside. It’s baked on a floured tray at moderate heat for about 30 minutes.
The bread has a mild taste and slightly chewy texture, making it well-suited for serving with savory dishes like stews, soups, or cheese and charcuterie. Its simple ingredients make it a reliable pantry staple when yeast is unavailable.
The notes highlight key tips such as using baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) rather than baking powder, substituting buttermilk with soured milk or yogurt, and adjusting the flour or liquid to achieve the correct dough consistency. Salt quantity can be adjusted to personal taste, and dairy-free versions are possible by swapping milk and acid components.
Ingredients
- 350 g plain flour all-purpose white flour, white
- 1½ teaspoons salt (or to taste - see note 6)
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (see notes)
- 285 ml buttermilk (see notes)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C / 160C fan/ gas mark 4 / 350F.
- Dust a baking tray (I actually use a pizza tray) with a little plain flour.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together thoroughly. Tip in the buttermilk and stir to combine.
- Keep stirring until the ingredients come together as a dough, then squidge together to form a ball.
- Place the ball of dough on your baking tray and cut a deep cross in the centre. (This is really important as it helps the centre of the bread to cook properly – so cut nice and deep, almost to the bottom.)
- If you wish, you can dust the loaf with a little flour, then place the bread in your preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Serve with soup, stew, salad, or cheese, olives and cold meats.
Notes
- Use bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) for proper rising; baking powder will not work the same.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk plus lemon juice, vinegar, or natural yogurt to sour it for similar results.
- You can make this bread dairy free by using plant-based milk with an acid like lemon juice.
- Add liquid slowly to prevent overly wet dough; flour can be added if dough is too sticky.
- Adjust salt amount based on personal preference, ranging from ½ teaspoon to 1½ teaspoons.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 181kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 565mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 94mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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