Irish Soda Bread

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.

   1.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust lightly with flour.
2. 2
   mix · ~1 min

   Mix the dry ingredients.

   1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

   2.Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. 3
   mix · ~2 min

   Add buttermilk and form the dough.

   1.Pour the cold buttermilk into the well.

   2.Stir with a wooden spoon or your hand just until the dough comes together—it will be sticky and shaggy.

   3.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.

   TIPWork quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. Over-mixing makes the bread tough.
4. 4
   prep · ~2 min

   Shape the loaf.

   1.Gently shape the dough into a round loaf about 6-7 inches in diameter.

   2.Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet.

   3.Using a serrated knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the dough, about 1 inch deep, extending all the way to the edges.

   TIPThe deep cross lets the center cook through and gives the bread its iconic look. Traditional folklore says it lets the fairies out.
5. 5
   bake · ~40 min

   Bake the soda bread.

   1.Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.

   2.Reduce heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for another 10 minutes, until the loaf is deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. 6
   rest · ~20 min

   Cool before slicing.

   1.Transfer the bread to a wire rack.

   2.Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

   TIPCutting while hot will compress the delicate crumb. A little patience rewards you with perfect slices.

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