Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper and then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well.
To the dry ingredients, add the milk and vinegar. Mix with a spatula until a ball of dough begins to form.
Knead the dough with your hands until smooth and uniform.
Shape the dough into a round about two-inches thick.
Slice an "X" into the top of the dough round with a knife. Brush the bread with milk and then place it onto the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a firm golden crust forms and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!
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Notes
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps to mimic the texture and elasticity of gluten, providing structure to your bread.
Don't Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread because it starts to break down the xanthan gum's binding properties.
Knead Gently: Gluten-free dough is more delicate. Knead gently to avoid breaking the dough. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly flour your hands with gluten-free flour.
Check for Doneness: Gluten-free breads can be tricky to test for doneness. Look for a golden crust and listen for a hollow sound when tapping the bottom of the loaf. An instant-read thermometer should register around 190-200℉ when inserted into the center.
Altitude Adjustments: If you're baking at a high altitude, you may need to make adjustments. Higher altitudes often require more flour and less baking soda and liquid. Start with small adjustments until you find the right balance for your location.
Storage: Before storing, let the bread cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation inside the packaging, which could lead to sogginess or mold. Then, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and store the soda bread at room temperature for up to two days.
Freeze: Wrap the bread or slices in plastic wrap and then place them in afreezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Gluten-free Irish soda bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Slice Before Freezing: If you prefer, slice the bread before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need, whenever you need it. You can pop it straight into the toaster to thaw or toast.