Description
This traditional Irish Brown Bread recipe combines whole wheat and all-purpose flours, rolled oats, and buttermilk to create a dense, hearty bread that’s perfect for pairing with butter, jam, or soups. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this no-yeast soda bread offers a rustic feel with a soft, moist interior and a slightly chewy oat-topped crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (plus more for topping)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for richer flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar if using to ensure even distribution.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter if using. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain bread’s texture; the dough will be thick and sticky.
- Prepare Dough for Baking: Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few extra rolled oats on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Cooling: Remove bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbly texture.
Notes
- This bread is dense and hearty, best served warm with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
- For a rustic look, bake the bread free-form on a baking sheet instead of a pan and score a deep cross on the top before baking.
- Brown sugar is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet bread.
- Using melted butter adds richness but can be omitted for a more traditional lean bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
