Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Combining wholemeal and all-purpose flours, this bread offers a rich, nutty taste characteristic of traditional Irish brown bread.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare without the need for yeast or complex techniques.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside soups and stews.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can have fresh bread ready in under two hours.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Irish-style wholemeal flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture appears too dry, add a bit more buttermilk until it comes together.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just until it holds together. Shape it into a round loaf.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a deep cross on the top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 40–45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 slices.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Incorporate seeds, nuts, or dried fruits like raisins or currants for added texture and flavor.
- Flour Substitutes: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a different taste.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your preference; you can reduce it for a less sweet bread or omit it entirely.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Slice the bread and wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw slices as needed.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can result in a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead of Irish-style wholemeal flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise and adds a subtle tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1½ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make this bread without sugar?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
How can I make the crust softer?
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter before baking.
Can I bake this bread in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I add seeds or nuts to the bread?
Yes, adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin, or nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts, can enhance the flavor and texture. Fold them into the dough before baking.
How do I store leftover bread?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bread a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Irish Brown Bread is a delightful and versatile addition to any meal. Its hearty texture and nutty flavor make it a favorite in Irish households and beyond. Whether enjoyed with butter and jam, alongside a warm bowl of soup.
Print
Irish Brown Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irish Brown Bread is a traditional, hearty bread made with a blend of wholemeal and all-purpose flour. It has a nutty flavor and dense texture, perfect for serving with butter, jam, or alongside soups and stews. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, this rustic bread is a staple in Irish homes and an easy-to-make favorite in yours.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Irish-style wholemeal flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add more buttermilk if necessary to bring the dough together.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it holds together. Shape it into a round loaf.
- Prepare for baking: Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross on top of the loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 40–45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Add-ins: Enhance the bread with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits like raisins or currants for added texture and flavor.
- Flour substitutions: Oat flour can replace some of the all-purpose flour for a different flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to taste. You can reduce or omit it for a less sweet bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: irish
