For all of those with a fear of yeast, proofing, rising and all other slightly scary elements associated with homemade bread, it’s time to push those fears aside! This yeast-free, no proofing needed, rise-less soda bread is for you.
If you have 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to a warm loaf of DIY bread that’s perfect for everything from slicing to sandwiching. But if you really want to go the extra mile, transform this light and tender soda bread into bread pudding, savory French toast or the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
So whether you’re adding a touch of tradition to your St. Patrick’s Day party or are just looking to satisfy that homemade carb craving, preheat your oven and get ready for the simplest of all soda breads!
Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes and a weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and caraway seeds. Add the buttermilk and melted butter and stir just until the dough is cohesive but still lumpy.
- Transfer the dough onto a well-floured work surface then gently knead the dough about 8 times until it is slightly less sticky. (See Kelly’s Note.) Form the dough into a 6-inch domed round then place it on an ungreased, nonstick baking sheet. Cut a large, 1/2-inch deep “X” across the top then dust the top with 2 teaspoons flour.
- Bake the bread until it is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack to cool completely then slice and serve.
Kelly’s Note:
- Do not overknead the bread or it will be tough and dense. The dough should still be very sticky after kneading it only 8 times.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
Shoutout
Did you try this recipe?
Share it with the world! Mention @justataste or tag #justatasterecipes!
Recipe adapted from Gourmet Live.
It looks wonderful. I just have a ? Re a round loaf. I almost think yours looks square like a loaf pan. Have you ever tied it in a loaf pan ? I just think cutting is easier. Thank you so much !
Hi Melissa! I wouldn’t advise using a pan as this doesn’t rise like traditional bread and I’m worried the loaf will be too thick.
No eggs?
Correct! :)
Love this bread. I added thyme and rosemary, and the flavor was delicious.
Love your additions, Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I just made this with buttermilk cause it’s what I had and it was AMAZING. For buttermilk remove one teaspoon baking powder (so only 1 1/2 for the recipe) and add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Keep the buttermilk to 1/2 cup. It was outstanding, will be making again and again!
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Made this today and it was so amazingly easy and yummy! I was wondering though, would you be able to bake this in a loaf tin and get the same great texture? Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Hi there! I haven’t tried that but I’m worried the loaf will be too thick and this doesn’t rise like traditional bread, so I wouldn’t advise using a pan.
Can I use raisins instead of caraway? Thank you.
Sure!
Hello, I’m allergic to yeast and dairy, so looking for breads without yeast I found your recipe, what can I use to substitute the buttermilk? Thank you
Hi Lupe – I’ve never tried this recipe with a buttermilk substitute so unfortunately, I can’t weigh in on this!
I made this yesterday and its was just wonderful! Added a little fresh garlic and it was the best garlic bread ever!
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Beverley!
Hi Kelly,
I am a novice when it comes to kneading but I’m going to have a go at your recipe. Does it make a difference it I don’t use caraway seeds?
You’ll do great, Claudia! And the caraway seeds aren’t required but they definitely give the bread some great flavor :) Feel free to leave them out!
I made this today and it turned out great!
Its easy to make still not tried hope it turns out good
LOVE soda bread for how easy it is! But I’ve never tried it with carraway seeds – sounds tasty!
Thanks so much, Liz!
Do you have to put the caraway seeds in? They are not my favorite
Hi Nancy! They aren’t required but they definitely give the bread some great flavor :) Feel free to leave them out!
Hi Kelly. What would be a good substitute to caraway seeds? I have never used caraway seeds in my cooking or baking. Thank you for your feedback.
Hi Elizabeth! You could use raisins (also traditional of many soda bread recipes), but the caraway seeds give great flavor and can be found in all grocery stores in the spice aisle. You can also omit them entirely!
I have been looking for a good soda bread recipe. It’s storming here and I’m stuck in the house for the evening so I think I will give it a try. I don’t have any caraway seeds so I will have to leave them out this time. I wonder though, do you think you could make this with wheat flour?
Hi Abby! I have never tried this recipe with wheat flour so I’m not sure how it’d turn out.
What temp do you bake the homemade soda bread. Can ‘t find it on the recipe.
My apologies, Marilyn! I just updated the recipe. It’s 375°F. Enjoy!
It’s very easy to make! I use soda very often when baking at home, makes the dough quite solid!
Yes, so true! Love the dense, doughy texture of soda bread.