Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined, as this helps distribute the flavors and leavening evenly throughout the dough.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 2 cups of buttermilk. This is where the magic happens! The acidic nature of the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread to rise and develop its tender crumb.
Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix the dough until it forms a shaggy ball. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the light texture of the bread.
Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times just until it comes together into a round shape. It’s important not to over-knead, or you’ll end up with a tough loaf.
Place the formed loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. With a sharp knife, score a deep X on top of the loaf. This helps the heat penetrate during baking and allows the bread to expand.
Now, place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps set the crumb and keeps it from becoming gummy.
Serve your Irish Soda Bread warm, with softened butter and jam, or alongside a hearty stew for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and the love that goes into each slice!
