Irish Brown Bread | Quick Soda Bread (No Yeast)
Irish Brown Bread | Quick Soda Bread (No Yeast) is a delightful recipe that often finds its way to family tables across Ireland and beyond. This tender, wholesome bread is an absolute treasure, characterized by a rich flavor and a rustic texture that keeps you coming back for another slice. When you pull this bread out of the oven, the warm aroma fills your kitchen, instantly making it feel more like home.
Table of Contents
I first enjoyed Irish Brown Bread during a charming trip to Ireland, where I sat in a cozy café, savoring each bite slathered with a bit of butter and homemade jam. Since then, I’ve made it countless times in my own kitchen, sharing it with family and friends on busy mornings and special gatherings alike. This Irish Brown Bread is not only easy to make—thanks to its no-yeast recipe—but it’s also budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and adaptable enough to suit any meal. You’re going to love how straightforward this recipe is and how satisfying it feels to pull a fresh loaf out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This bread can be whipped up in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute side.
- Irresistible Flavor: Made with whole wheat and all-purpose flour, it has a nutty, rich taste that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its rustic crust and that charming X score on top, this bread is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy a slice at breakfast, as a snack, or even with dinner; it fits perfectly into any part of the day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for dairy-free diets by substituting buttermilk with a plant-based alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole wheat flour: This adds a hearty texture and deep flavor to your bread. Using finely milled whole wheat flour ensures a softer crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This flour helps to lighten the loaf while still contributing to a wholesome texture.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda: A key ingredient that helps the bread rise quickly without yeast, creating that delightfully tender crumb.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavors, salt balances the bread’s sweetness from the brown sugar.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: This ingredient adds a subtle depth of sweetness and is a lovely complement to the whole wheat flour.
- 2 cups buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk not only gives the bread a rich flavor but also helps it rise beautifully. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mix of milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works just fine.
How to Make Irish Brown Bread | Quick Soda Bread (No Yeast)
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures a crusty finish.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This step aerates the flour and helps to create a light texture in your bread.
Combine with Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in 2 cups of buttermilk. Using a spoon or your hands, mix until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more buttermilk.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the sticky dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead it gently for about 4-5 times, just enough to smooth it out while retaining a bit of stickiness.
Shape & Score the Dough: Shape the dough into a fat disk that’s about 8 inches across. With a sharp knife, cut two slashes, about 1/4 inch deep, in the shape of an X on top of the loaf. This is not just for decoration but helps the bread rise evenly.
Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer your scored dough onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the loaf is beautifully puffed up, deep golden brown, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This step is essential, as it allows the texture to set and makes for easier slicing.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Irish Brown Bread, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and keep it at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just be sure to slice it first for easier reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the toaster or warm it briefly in the oven to revive that fresh-baked taste.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t over-knead the dough; a few gentle turns are sufficient to bring it together without making it tough.
- Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature for better blending.
- If your dough feels too sticky, dust it lightly with flour as you knead, but avoid adding too much flour, which could affect the texture.
- One of the lovely features of soda bread is its rustic quality; embrace that! No need for perfect shapes.
- For an extra touch, consider adding ingredients like oats, seeds, or dried fruit for a twist on your classic bread.
With its hearty taste and simple preparation, this bread truly shines in its versatility and rich flavor. Whether slathered with butter for breakfast or paired with soup for dinner, it always satisfies. I hope you take the time to bake this Irish Brown Bread and make some wonderful memories just like I have!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 2 cups of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give your bread the same tender quality.
Why is my bread dense?
If your bread turns out denser than expected, it might be due to over-kneading or not enough leavening. Make sure to add the correct amount of baking soda and avoid working the dough too much, as this can make it tough.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in ingredients like oats, seeds, or even cheese for a savory twist. Just ensure that any additions don’t exceed the overall volume of your dough.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
A good indication of doneness is the hollow sound it makes when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, look for a deep golden crust and a lovely puffed-up appearance. If you have a food thermometer, it should register around 200°F (93°C) in the center.
More Breakfast Recipes
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- Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Rolls
- Homemade Granola
- Valentine Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
- White Mac and Cheese
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📖 Recipe Card
Irish Brown Bread | Quick Soda Bread (No Yeast)
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Try this Irish Brown Bread | Quick Soda Bread (No Yeast) for an irresistible flavor and easy preparation. With wholesome ingredients like whole wheat and buttermilk, it’s the perfect comfort food for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450F.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Mix until a sticky dough forms; add a little liquid if dough seems dry.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 4-5 times until smoother.
- Shape the dough into a fat disk about 8 inches wide. Cut two slashes in the top in an X pattern.
- Place the bread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 400F and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Allow cooling on a rack before slicing.
Notes
Make sure to measure flour accurately for best results.
You can substitute yogurt or milk for buttermilk if necessary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
