Imagine sinking your teeth into a rustic, hearty slice of bread that tells a story of traditional Irish baking, packed with nutty steel cut oats and a rich, wholesome flavor that transports you straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland. This Brown Soda Bread isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines simplicity, nutrition, and soul-warming goodness in every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will have you creating bakery-worthy bread that will impress family and friends alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, steel cut oats, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well incorporated and any lumps are broken up.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients until they form a shaggy, sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan, using the spatula to spread it evenly. Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross (+) on the top of the loaf, which will help the bread rise and allow steam to escape.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The bread is done when it has a deep golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.
- Serve the bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality buttermilk for the most authentic flavor and best rise • Don't overmix the dough—a shaggy, slightly lumpy texture is exactly what you want • Make sure your baking soda is fresh to ensure proper rising • Score the bread deeply to help steam escape and create that classic rustic look • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its perfect texture • Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days for maximum freshness • For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
