Irish soda bread is an easy quick bread recipe that's traditional in Ireland - and gets lots of attention around St Patrick's Day in the United States. This recipe is buttery, crusty perfection. Serve it warm from the oven for best flavor
0 Preheat the oven to 425F.
10 Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. You can also use a greased, cast iron skillet.
1 Blend the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
2 Using the large side of a grater, grate the butter into the dry ingredients, stirring often to coat the shreds of butter.
3 Blend the egg with the buttermilk.
4 Pour into the dry ingredient mixture and stir lightly with a fork.
5 Turn the sticky dough out on a lightly floured work surface and gently form into a round that holds together.
6 Cut a deep cross or an X in the top.
9 Place the dough ball on the prepared sheet pan or cast iron skillet.
7 Bake for 40 minutes.
8 Remove when a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few clinging crumbs and the top is crusty and golden brown.
