Irish Soda Bread

The thought of making homemade bread may sound intimidating, however you wont need the luck of the Irish to make this! Irish soda bread is quick and easy! Instead of using yeast, its leavening comes from simple ingredients like baking soda and buttermilk. This St. Patrick’s Day, your friends and family will surely be thanking you for making this delicious Irish soda bread.

• 4 cups AP flour, plus 1/4 more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, plus 1/2 tbsp to grease the pan
• 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk
• 1 large egg, cold

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease a 10-inch heavy bottom pan with the ½ Tbsp butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Cut the butter into small pieces and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until crumbs form. Make a well in the center.
3. In a large measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk with the egg and then add to the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon and mix until moistened and dough barely starts to come together.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and using floured hands, shape the dough into a round loaf. It will look shaggy. If it’s too sticky to handle, dust lightly with flour.
5. Transfer the loaf to the buttered pan. Use a knife to score the top of the loaf with a large deep X. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. When you tap the bread it should sound hollow inside. Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool.
6. Enjoy!