Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

Step 1

Begin by preheating your oven to 400℉.

Step 2

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to your large bowl, stirring well to combine.

Step 4

Chop the cold butter into small pieces, then add it to the dry ingredients.

Step 5

Using either your hands or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly with the butter in pea-sized or smaller pieces.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, sugar, and sourdough starter or discard until combined.

Step 7

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then mix somewhat tenderly until just combined. You don't want to overmix.

Step 8

Turn out the dough on a clean work surface and form it into a round loaf.

Step 9

Place onto your prepared baking sheet, then score a deep cross or X on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread to bake more evenly.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-65 minutes, checking at the 30-minute mark. If the top of the bread is getting too dark, cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil while it finishes baking.

Step 11

Bake time will depend on how wide or how tall the loaf is shaped.

Step 12

Cool the loaf on a wire rack completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!