How to Egg Wash the Top of Irish Soda Bread (4 Steps)

Egg wash isn't always added to the top of Irish soda bread, especially when a rustic, craggy texture is desired, but the shiny crust that results from egg wash can be particularly desirable when optional ingredients such as raisins and chocolate chips are added to the bread. Irish soda bread is a staple in Irish households because it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Instead of painstakingly kneading yeast dough and spending hours proofing the dough, Irish soda bread uses only flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk, which are mixed only until well incorporated -- no kneading required.

Things You'll Need

Small mixing bowl
Fork
Egg

Heavy cream (optional)
Knife
Pastry brush

Instructions

Beat eggs in a small bowl mixed with cold water or heavy cream to create the egg wash. You'll need about 1 teaspoon of water or cream for each egg in the egg wash; it only takes one egg to egg wash the top of one loaf of Irish soda bread.
Form the dough into a round shape that is no thicker than 1 1/2 inches in the center to ensure the center cooks through.
Cut a shallow cross or X-pattern across the top of the dough with a sharp knife. This pattern is not just decorative, but allows heat to better reach the center of the loaf for thorough baking. (According to Irish lore, this step is actually to allow the fairies to escape the dough before baking.)
Dip a pastry brush in the egg wash mixture and brush it all over the top of the dough round. Apply it generously so the surface, including the slits across the top, has a noticeable sheen. The brush makes it easy to spread the often gooey mixture and to distribute it evenly in the cracks.

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