No-Yeast Bread

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the water and vinegar. While stirring, add the water mixture to the flour mixture. Stir the mixture until a dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated.

Shape the dough into a flat, round disk no more than 1 1/2-inches high. Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Dip a sharp knife into flour then cut an "X" or "#" on top of the loaf.

Place the pan in the oven and bake at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and the crust is firm. If desired, brush the top of the loaf with milk halfway through the baking time for a softer crust.

When the bread is done, remove it from the oven and while still hot brush it with the melted butter. The butter adds flavor as well as softening the crust.

CDKitchen Notes: Updated May 10, 2016. Having just taken another wonderful batch of this bread out of the oven we decided to rewrite the directions and add some suggestions to help people who aren't familiar with soda bread. This recipe turns out beautifully every time we make it. Soda bread has a denser crust than regular white bread. If you make it as directed we think you'll be happy with it. Some of the reviews below mention doubling the baking soda and baking powder. We don't recommend it. If you want more flavor then double the sugar or add herbs/seasonings. Make sure to form the loaf into a flat shape as directed. If it's too high it will not bake through.