A rustic, hearty Irish bread made with whole wheat flour for a perfect addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irish Brown Bread is the epitome of simple, wholesome baking. With just a handful of ingredients, this bread delivers a hearty, nutty flavor thanks to the whole wheat flour, complemented by the tangy richness of buttermilk. It’s quick to make and doesn’t require any kneading or rising time—just mix, shape, and bake! Perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or enjoying with a pat of butter and jam. This traditional bread is both comforting and nutritious, making it a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk and honey (if using), and mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf.
- Score a shallow “X” on top of the loaf with a knife to help the bread rise evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Variations
- Add Seeds or Nuts: Stir in sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Sweet Version: Add a bit more honey or a handful of dried fruit like raisins or currants to make it a sweeter treat.
- Herbed Bread: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a savory twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tang of buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the dough.
2. Can I add more flour if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The dough should be slightly sticky, but still manageable.
3. Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?
This recipe is quite simple and doesn’t require a bread machine, but you can use one if you’d prefer. Just add the ingredients to the machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, and select a “basic bread” setting.
4. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bread a day ahead and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, though.
5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw at room temperature and bake as usual.
6. Can I make this bread with whole wheat pastry flour instead of regular whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pastry flour, but the texture may be slightly lighter and less dense. It will still taste delicious!
7. How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom or when the internal temperature reaches around 190°F (88°C).
8. Can I make this bread sweeter?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
9. Can I make this recipe in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can. Simply shape the dough into a loaf and bake it for 40-45 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Can I make this bread without honey?
Yes, the honey is optional and adds a bit of sweetness. If you prefer, you can skip it and the bread will still be deliciously hearty and flavorful.
Conclusion
Irish Brown Bread is the perfect rustic bread to add to your baking repertoire. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients, and provides a hearty, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or a bit of butter. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty meal or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this bread will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the fresh, wholesome taste of homemade Irish brown bread!
Print
Irish Brown Bread
Irish Brown Bread is a simple and hearty bread made with whole wheat flour, perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or enjoying with butter and jam. This rustic, no-knead bread is rich in flavor, thanks to the buttermilk and optional honey, and is easy to make with just a few ingredients. It’s a wholesome, nutritious addition to any meal, offering a nutty, comforting taste that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk and honey (if using), and mix until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a round loaf.
- Score the Loaf: Score a shallow “X” on top of the loaf with a knife to help it rise evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add Seeds or Nuts: For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or chopped walnuts.
- Sweet Version: Add extra honey or dried fruit like raisins or currants for a touch of sweetness.
- Herbed Bread: Stir in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread / Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish / Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
