Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a large cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Add the buttermilk, softened butter, and egg to the mixture and mix well using an electric mixer until a soft dough forms.
Use your hands to knead the dough lightly. Shape into a large ball and flatten slightly.
Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.
Stir together the melted butter and buttermilk and brush over the outside of the loaf.
Bake in a hot oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Brush the loaf with the buttermilk mixture every 15 minutes during baking.
Video
Notes
This bread is rather dense and very filling - not light and fluffy like a sandwich bread. It's best served warm with butter or jam or for dipping in soup or stew. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make your own. Add a scant cup of milk to a measuring cup and add around 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to sour. Instant buttermilk!