Irish Brown Soda Bread – Rustic, Hearty, and Wholesome

This Irish Brown Soda Bread is a simple, rustic loaf that brings the charm of a traditional Irish kitchen straight to your table. Made with wholesome whole wheat flour and tangy buttermilk, it comes together without yeast or kneading—just mix, bake, and enjoy. The result is a hearty, flavorful bread with a tender crumb and slightly nutty taste, perfect for soups, stews, or simply slathered with a bit of butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Yeast Needed – Baking soda does the work, so it’s quick and easy.
Wholesome and Hearty – Made with whole wheat flour for added flavor and fiber.
Fast and Foolproof – Ready to bake in minutes with no rising time.
Authentic Tradition – A taste of Irish heritage with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1¾ cups low-fat buttermilk (plus more if needed)
• Optional: 1 tbsp rolled oats for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Buttermilk
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add another tablespoon of buttermilk.

4. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on top. Sprinkle with oats if desired.

5. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 130
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix – Handle the dough lightly to keep the bread tender.
No Buttermilk? – Mix 1¾ cups of low-fat milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Check Doneness – Bread should sound hollow when tapped underneath and have a golden crust.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of whole wheat and white flour gives this bread just the right balance of heartiness and lightness. The baking soda and buttermilk react to create lift and tenderness without needing yeast, making it quick, easy, and wonderfully rustic.

Irish Brown Soda Bread is the definition of simple comfort. With its hearty texture, nutty flavor, and ease of preparation, it’s a timeless recipe you’ll turn to again and again—for weeknight dinners, cozy breakfasts, or a touch of tradition any day of the year.