60 minutes
A classic and simple Irish bread made with flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk.
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
cups
teaspoons
teaspoons
cups
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.
Add dried fruits such as raisins, currants, or sultanas, along with a tablespoon or two of sugar for a sweet touch. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth.
Incorporate a handful of dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots for a sweet, chewy dimension. Soaking the fruit in warm tea or whiskey before adding it to the dough can enhance the flavor further.
Fold in a cup of grated cheese such as sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner into the dough. Cheese will melt during baking, creating pockets of savory goodness.
Incorporate grated cheese, chopped herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or minced garlic into the dough. This version pairs wonderfully with soups and stews.
Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic twist. This can pair nicely with savory dishes.
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