Why bake Irish soda bread in a Dutch oven?

Baking Irish soda bread in a Dutch oven creates a steamy environment that helps develop a wonderfully crisp crust and a soft, tender interior. It also ensures even baking and a beautiful round loaf.

What kind of Dutch oven is best for baking Irish soda bread?

A standard 5-6 quart Dutch oven works best for baking Irish soda bread. Either enameled cast iron or bare cast iron will work; just be sure to preheat it properly before adding the dough.

How do I get a good crust on my Dutch oven Irish soda bread?

Preheating the Dutch oven thoroughly before adding the dough is crucial for a good crust. You can also brush the top of the loaf with milk or melted butter before baking for an extra golden and crispy crust.

Dutch Oven Irish Soda Bread: 5 Easy Steps to a Perfect Loaf!

Name: Dutch Oven Irish Soda Bread: Easiest, Crusty Loaf!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

Description

A rustic and crusty Dutch oven Irish Soda Bread, perfect for St Patrick’s Day or any day you want a taste of home. Enjoy the simple joy of a homemade crusty soda bread with crusty outside and soft inside!

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your empty Dutch oven (with the lid) inside the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine. Avoid overmixing!
Shape the Dough: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf about 6-7 inches in diameter.
Prepare the Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. (Be very careful!) Place a circle of parchment paper in the bottom of the Dutch oven or dust the bottom with flour.
Score the Dough: Score the dough with a sharp knife or lame in a cross shape.
Bake the dutch oven irish soda bread: Carefully place the loaf inside the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the Lid: Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Carefully remove the dutch oven irish soda bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Brush with Butter: Brush the top of your freshly baked dutch oven irish soda bread with melted butter, for a golden sheen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg