About the Recipe
There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s a hearty, nutty loaf like Irish Brown Bread. I first tasted it during my trip to Ireland to visit my daughter while she was studying there — and after one bite, I was hooked. Almost every pub served it alongside chowder or a cup of tea, slathered in rich Irish butter. It’s humble, wholesome, and full of character — just like the people who make it. This version is simple, rustic, and absolutely perfect warm from the oven. No yeast, no fuss — just good, honest bread the Irish way.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. butter, softened
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
2 Tbs. honey
Oats to sprinkle on top
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda and salt.
Step 3
Cut the butter into the flour until it forms course crumbles.
Step 4
Stir in the buttermilk and honey until a sticky dough forms.
Step 5
Place the dough into the loaf pan. Top with oats. Bake 35 - 45 minutes. Bread will be done when golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 6
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in pan. Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack before slicing. Serve with fresh Irish butter.
Notes
Best served warm with softened Irish butter. Don't skimp on high-quality butter!