Paul Hollywood Soda Bread Recipe

Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

Paul Hollywood’s Soda Bread is a quick and easy traditional Irish bread that requires no yeast or lengthy proofing. This rustic loaf uses baking soda as a leavening agent, resulting in a dense yet soft texture with a crisp crust. It’s perfect for serving with soups, cheeses, or simply with butter and jam.

What is Paul Hollywood Soda Bread?

Paul Hollywood’s Soda Bread is a no-yeast bread that comes together in minutes. Instead of yeast, bicarbonate of soda reacts with buttermilk to create a light rise. This bread has a slightly tangy flavor and a hearty, rustic texture, making it an excellent choice for a quick homemade loaf.

Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

  • No Yeast Required: No waiting for the dough to rise.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.
  • Rustic and Flavorful: Crisp crust with a soft interior.
  • Versatile: Great with sweet or savory toppings.
  • Few Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.

Ingredients Needed to Make Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

  • Plain Flour (500g / 4 cups) – The base of the bread.
  • Bicarbonate of Soda (1 tsp) – The leavening agent.
  • Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
  • Buttermilk (400ml / 1¾ cups) – Activates the bicarbonate of soda.
  • Optional Add-Ins:
    • Seeds (2 tbsp) – Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
    • Dried Fruits (50g) – Raisins or cranberries for a sweet variation.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife

Instructions to Make Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add the buttermilk

Gradually pour in the buttermilk while mixing with a wooden spoon. Stir until the dough just comes together; it should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Step 4: Shape the dough

Lightly flour your hands and transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf without overworking the dough.

Step 5: Score the bread

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top—this helps the bread bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake the bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite dishes.

What Goes Well With Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

  • Butter and Honey – A simple and delicious pairing.
  • Cheese and Chutney – Perfect for a cheese board.
  • Soups and Stews – Ideal for dipping.
  • Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese – A flavorful topping.
  • Nut Butter or Jam – For a sweet variation.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Soda Bread

  • Use Cold Buttermilk – Helps keep the dough light.
  • Don’t Overmix – Overworking the dough can make the bread dense.
  • Check for Doneness – Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins – Try adding seeds, dried fruit, or even cheese for variation.
  • Bake Immediately – Once the buttermilk is added, bake right away to activate the bicarbonate of soda.

Easy Variations of Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

  • Whole Wheat Soda Bread – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
  • Seeded Soda Bread – Add sunflower or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
  • Sweet Soda Bread – Mix in a handful of raisins or cranberries with a touch of honey.
  • Cheesy Soda Bread – Add grated cheddar and chopped herbs for a savory twist.
  • Dairy-Free Version – Use plant-based milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

Best Practices to Store Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

  • Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheat – Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to refresh.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 400ml of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Why is my soda bread too dense?

Soda bread can become dense if the dough is overworked. Mix just until the ingredients come together, and avoid kneading too much to keep it light.

How do I know when soda bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Can I freeze homemade soda bread?

Yes, soda bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Words

Paul Hollywood’s Soda Bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort.

Give it a go and enjoy fresh, warm bread in under an hour!

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Paul Hollywood Soda Bread

Paul Hollywood Soda Bread Recipe

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Description

Paul Hollywood’s Soda Bread is a no-yeast bread that comes together in minutes. Instead of yeast, bicarbonate of soda reacts with buttermilk to create a light rise. This bread has a slightly tangy flavor and a hearty, rustic texture, making it an excellent choice for a quick homemade loaf.


Ingredients

  • Plain Flour (500g / 4 cups) – The base of the bread.
  • Bicarbonate of Soda (1 tsp) – The leavening agent.
  • Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
  • Buttermilk (400ml / 1¾ cups) – Activates the bicarbonate of soda.
  • Optional Add-Ins:
    • Seeds (2 tbsp) – Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
    • Dried Fruits (50g) – Raisins or cranberries for a sweet variation.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add the buttermilk

Gradually pour in the buttermilk while mixing with a wooden spoon. Stir until the dough just comes together; it should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Step 4: Shape the dough

Lightly flour your hands and transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf without overworking the dough.

Step 5: Score the bread

Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top—this helps the bread bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake the bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite dishes.


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