Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Bread doesn't have to be boring. Switch up the kind of bread you eat with this delicious, traditional Irish soda bread!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Servings loaf

Calories 3330.1kcal

Preheat your oven to 375°F (220°C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet generously with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the raisins and stir to combine.
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and egg. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a round loaf, and place it onto the prepared skillet.
Use a sharp knife to cut a deep "X" shape into the top of the loaf.
Bake the bread for 50 to 55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

The dough should be sticky and wet. Don't overwork the dough; otherwise, the bread will turn out tough.
If you can't shape it into a ball, add a little more flour at a time until you can.