Irish soda bread makes the perfect St. Patrick's Day appetizer!

Irish cuisine may not be as widely recognizable or familiar across North America as Chinese, Italian, or Mexican fare. But that doesn't mean Irish food lacks fans and flavor. As the world prepares to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on or around March 17, individuals who want to include some popular Irish fare in their festivities won't want to exclude this recipe for "Irish Soda Bread" from AllRecipes.com.

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Irish Soda Bread

Yields 1 1/2 loaves (20 servings)

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Mix flour, softened margarine, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk in a small bowl; brush the loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an "X" into the top of the loaf.

Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.