Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Get prepped

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease a skillet or baking sheet and set aside.

Make the dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda until well combined.
2. Use a pastry cutter or large fork to incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture until well-distributed and dry ingredients resemble clumpy sand.
3. Stir in the raisins and set aside.
4. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, beat together the buttermilk and egg until well-combined.
5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk-egg mixture. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until you're unable to stir anymore, then use your hands to continue kneading the dough, at least 2 minutes until no longer sticky and the dough forms a cohesive ball. (Avoid the desire to add more flour to the dough for at least a minute - it will be sticky at first but should become less sticky with kneading.)

Cut and bake

1. Place the ball of dough onto the prepared skillet or cookie sheet.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut a large X-shape in the center of the dough to allow steam to escape.
3. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.