If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss bread that still delivers on flavor and texture, Mary Berry Soda Bread Recipe is the perfect solution. With no yeast, proofing, or complicated steps required, this traditional Irish loaf comes together in under an hour. It’s crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and has a subtle tang from the buttermilk that makes each bite irresistible.

What makes this soda bread special is its rustic charm and versatility. Whether served warm with a generous spread of butter, alongside a hearty soup, or even toasted the next day, it’s a recipe that fits into any meal. Plus, its simplicity means even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results without the usual fuss of bread-making.

Recipe at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview to get you started:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients You’ll Need

450g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
400ml buttermilk

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 400ml of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of oats, seeds, or even a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary.

Equipment You’ll Need for Soda Bread

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking sheet
Sharp knife (for scoring the dough)
Cooling rack

Mary Berry Soda Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 45 minutes

This soda bread comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.

Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly flour a baking sheet.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute the baking soda.
Add the buttermilk
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until the dough comes together—it should be soft but not too sticky.
Shape the dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently just until it forms a ball. Don’t overwork the dough, or the bread may turn out tough.
Score the top
Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross on top. This helps the bread cook evenly.
Bake
Pop the bread in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Step-Specific Tips

Don’t overmix: Soda bread doesn’t need much kneading—just enough to bring it together. Overworking the dough can make it dense.
Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether it’s baked through, insert a skewer into the center. It should come out clean.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

This recipe makes 8 slices. Each serving contains the following nutritional breakdown:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	34g
Fat	2g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	400mg

Dietary Info: Mary Berry Soda Bread recipe is vegetarian and can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based buttermilk substitute.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

No Yeast Required: Forget about proofing or waiting hours—this bread rises beautifully with baking soda and buttermilk.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have a fresh, warm loaf in under an hour.
Versatile Pairing: Perfect with soups, stews, or simply enjoyed on its own with butter.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soda Bread

Use fresh baking soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh, as it’s the key leavening agent in this recipe.
Score deeply: A deep cross on top isn’t just for looks—it helps the bread cook evenly and gives that classic soda bread appearance.
Serve warm: Soda bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven, but it also toasts beautifully the next day.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Add Seeds or Nuts: Sprinkle in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Sweet Version: Add a handful of raisins or currants and a tablespoon of sugar for a subtly sweet twist.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the plain flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, denser loaf.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Overkneading the Dough: Soda bread needs minimal handling. Overkneading can result in a tough, dense loaf.
Not Scoring Deep Enough: A shallow cut on top won’t allow the bread to expand properly during baking.
Using the Wrong Flour: Stick to plain flour. Self-raising flour will affect the texture and rise.

How to Store & Serve Soda Bread

Storing

Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean tea towel for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Slice the loaf and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.

Serving

Fresh and Warm: Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
With Meals: Pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or hearty salads.
Toasted: Toast slices the next day for a delicious, crunchy snack.

Mary Berry Soda Bread FAQs

Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 400ml of milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use it as you would buttermilk.

Why is my soda bread dense?

Overmixing or kneading the dough too much can make soda bread dense. It’s important to handle the dough gently and mix just until combined. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as it’s key for a good rise.

How do I know when soda bread is fully baked?

The best way to check is by tapping the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow. You can also insert a skewer into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Conclusion

Mary Berry Soda Bread recipe is proof that making fresh, homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its crisp crust, soft crumb, and subtle tang from the buttermilk, it’s a versatile loaf that pairs beautifully with everything from soups to simple butter spreads. Best of all, you don’t need to be an experienced baker to nail this recipe on the first try. Whether you’re looking for a quick bread fix or a rustic addition to your meal, this soda bread will hit the spot every time.