Grandma McAndrew's Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This traditional Irish soda bread recipe has been passed down through generations in Grandma McAndrew's family. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this bread is easy to make and tastes incredible. The crust is buttery and crisp, while the inside is soft and moist. Enjoy a slice slathered in butter or use it as a base for sandwiches. This recipe is a true taste of Ireland!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. If you're using raisins, add them now.
5. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to form a round ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
7. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score a deep 'X' on top of the loaf. This helps the heat penetrate the bread while it bakes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve the bread warm or at room temperature with butter. It's best enjoyed the day it's made, but you can also store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

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