Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that uses baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) as its leavening agent instead of yeast. It’s dense, rustic, and known for the distinct cross sliced into the top before baking.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Use one hand to quickly mix the ingredients together into a shaggy, wet dough. Do not overmix; only mix until the flour is barely incorporated.
4. Shape and Score: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, about 2 inches high. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross into the top (this helps the bread cook evenly).
5. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the loaf is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack.