Description
A hearty, traditional Irish brown bread made with wholemeal flour and buttermilk. Dense, nutty, and wholesome, this rustic loaf is perfect with soups, stews, or simply served warm with butter and jam.
Ingredients
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3 cups (360 g) wholemeal flour (coarse whole wheat flour)
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1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for richer flavor)
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2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
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1 tablespoon rolled oats (for topping, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease or line a baking sheet (or use a cast-iron skillet).
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In a large bowl, whisk together wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional sugar.
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Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk (and melted butter, if using). Stir gently until a sticky dough forms.
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Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 4–5 times, just enough to bring it together. Shape into a round loaf.
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Place on the prepared baking sheet. Score a deep cross across the top of the loaf. Sprinkle oats if desired.
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
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Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
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Use fresh baking soda for best rise.
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Don’t overmix or knead too much—this bread should stay tender.
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Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
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For extra nuttiness, toast some of the flour lightly before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish / European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Irish brown bread recipe, traditional Irish bread, wholemeal soda bread, rustic brown bread, homemade Irish loaf