Perfect Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a timeless classic, beloved for its simple ingredients and rustic charm. This guide will help you bake the perfect soda bread every time, avoiding common pitfalls like crumbling or underbaking.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until the dough just comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Do not over-knead.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross on the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a softer crust, wrap the bread in a clean, damp kitchen towel while it cools. This will help retain moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too hard.