Authentic Irish Soda Bread (Printable Version)

Traditional soda bread with a crisp crust and soft inside, perfect for any meal or as a cozy snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until homogenous.
03 - Form a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in buttermilk and add melted butter if desired. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms; avoid overmixing.
04 - Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead lightly to create a round loaf. With a sharp knife, score a deep 'X' across the top.
05 - Transfer loaf to prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown with a hollow sound when tapped on the base.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a tender crumb, avoid over-kneading; mix dough just until combined.