Traditional Irish Soda Bread

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

While the oven is heating, measure out 3¾ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a large bowl.

3. Add Buttermilk

Create a well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in 1.5 cups of buttermilk. Stir gently, adding more buttermilk if necessary, until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and pliable but not wet or sticky.

4. Knead and Shape Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it just a few times, enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball. Shape the dough into a round loaf about 1.5 inches high and place it on a baking sheet. Using a knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf, going all the way to the edges.

5. Bake Bread

Place the loaf in the oven and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 400°F and continue baking for another 30 minutes. To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and enjoying a piece of this traditional Irish delight.