There’s nothing quite like pulling a fresh loaf of bread out of the oven—golden, warm, and ready to be slathered with butter. But if you’ve ever been put off by the long process of kneading and waiting for yeast dough to rise, this recipe will be your new best friend.
Meet 25-Minute No Yeast Soda Bread: a rustic, hearty loaf that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, no yeast required. It’s soft inside, crusty outside, and pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even jam for breakfast.
This recipe has roots in traditional Irish soda bread, which was created as an affordable, simple bread that families could bake daily. With no yeast or fancy equipment required, it’s as straightforward as baking gets—and the result is pure homemade comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Soda Bread
🍞 Ready in 25 Minutes – No proofing, no waiting—just mix and bake.
✨ Only 4 Ingredients – Pantry staples you already have.
🥣 No Kneading Required – A beginner-friendly bread.
🌿 Rustic & Hearty – Golden crust, tender crumb, perfect with butter.
🥛 Flexible Recipe – Works with milk, buttermilk, or dairy-free swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the 4 simple ingredients for this rustic loaf:
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread. (Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.)
1 teaspoon baking soda – The leavening agent (not baking powder).
½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavor.
1 cup buttermilk – Creates tang and reacts with baking soda to lift the bread.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before using.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend (results may be denser).
Add-ins: Try cheese, herbs, raisins, or seeds to change up the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Make a well in the center, pour in the buttermilk, and stir gently until a sticky dough forms.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—soda bread should be rustic and slightly shaggy.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a round loaf, lightly flattening the top.
Step 5: Score the Top
Place on the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep “X” across the top—this helps the bread bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Cool slightly before slicing. Best enjoyed warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup.
Pro Baking Tips
✔️ Don’t skip the “X” cut – It helps heat reach the center.
✔️ Work quickly – Once liquid meets baking soda, the reaction starts.
✔️ Use cold buttermilk – Helps create a better rise.
✔️ Rustic is good – Don’t worry about a perfectly smooth dough.
Why Soda Bread Works Without Yeast
Traditional breads rely on yeast fermentation to rise, which takes time. Soda bread skips yeast and uses baking soda + acidic buttermilk to create carbon dioxide, giving instant lift.
That’s why this bread is:
Fast – No rising time.
Foolproof – Less room for error.
Beginner-friendly – Perfect for new bakers.
Variations
✨ Whole Wheat Soda Bread – Use half or all whole wheat flour.
🧀 Cheddar & Herb – Mix in ½ cup cheddar cheese + 2 tsp fresh herbs.
🍇 Sweet Version – Add ¼ cup sugar + ½ cup raisins for a tea-time loaf.
🌰 Seeded Soda Bread – Sprinkle sesame or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
🍯 Honey Butter Glaze – Brush with melted butter + honey right after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This quick bread is incredibly versatile:
With Soup or Stew – Perfect dunking bread.
At Breakfast – Toast with butter and jam.
As a Side Dish – Serve with roasted meats or salads.
For Snacking – Spread with cream cheese or nut butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overmixing – Makes bread tough.
❌ Using old baking soda – Fresh soda = best rise.
❌ Forgetting to preheat oven – The bread needs instant heat.
❌ Cutting too soon – Let it rest a few minutes or it may crumble.
Storage & Freezing
Room Temperature – Wrap in a towel or airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge – Store up to 4 days (though it may dry out).
Freezer – Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months.
✅ Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to refresh.
Nutrition (Per Slice – 8 slices)
Calories: 130
Carbs: 26g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g
25-Minute No Yeast Soda Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Stir gently until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Lightly flatten the top.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and score a deep “X” across the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Best enjoyed warm with butter.
Notes
FAQs About Soda Bread
1. Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?
Yes—use milk + lemon juice or vinegar.
2. Why is my soda bread dense?
Overmixing or not enough baking soda.
3. Can I make mini loaves?
Yes—divide dough into smaller rounds and reduce bake time to 15 minutes.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just bake two loaves, don’t crowd them on one sheet.
5. How do I know when it’s done?
Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow.
Conclusion
This 25-Minute No Yeast Soda Bread is the ultimate quick bread recipe—rustic, golden, and perfect for when you want homemade bread fast. With no yeast, no kneading, and just four ingredients, it’s proof that simple baking is often the best.
Whether you pair it with soup, enjoy it with butter, or try a sweet variation, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
💬 Have you tried this soda bread? Share your favorite add-ins or serving ideas below—I’d love to hear your twist on this quick classic!