Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that does not require any yeast. Instead, all of its leavening comes from baking soda and buttermilk. It’s dense, yet soft and has the most incredible crusty exterior. Buttermilk and cold butter are the secret to its delicious success!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup margarine or butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup buttermilk

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Pizzello oven to 375℉ (190℃). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Step 2: Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round loaf and place on the prepared baking sheet. Note that the dough will be a little sticky.

Step 3: Combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.

Step 4: Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.