Irish Soda Bread: A Classic Comfort ☘️

Warm, freshly baked Irish Soda Bread. Top it with butter for a perfect cozy, delicious treat.

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner which means it's time for Irish Soda Bread. I get it if the thought of making bread sends you running to the hills. Well you're in luck when making Irish Soda bread as it does not require yeast and comes together in minutes. If you're a fan of easy and delicious, then this recipe is for you! It's dense and moist, yet soft and has an incredible crusty texture. I love to have a slice of it fresh out of the oven slathered in Irish butter. It's also mighty tasty the next day toasted and buttered.

"Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you." -Irish Blessing 🍀

And may you enjoy this Delicious Irish Soda Bread! 💗

The Ingredients:

• 4 to cups flour

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 4 Tbsp butter

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 2 cups buttermilk

The Plan:

1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large mixing bowl, sift together 4 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.

2. Using a pastry cutter, two knives or clean hands, work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in the raisins.

3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a spatula until dough is just combined. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in some more flour. Do not over knead. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf.

4. Transfer dough to a large, parchment lined baking sheet. Use a knife, make an "X" on top of dough about 1/2'' deep. Bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped with a knife, about 35-45 minutes. 

Variations and Add-Ins

You can enhance this recipe by incorporating any dried fruit , herbs, or spices you like. Some favorites to include are dried cranberries or cherries, caraway seeds, cinnamon, and rosemary.