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Irish Brown Soda Bread
5 from 9 votes

Irish Brown Soda Bread

An authentic Irish Brown Soda Bread recipe—hearty, wholesome, and perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day table or any cozy meal at home.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 276 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ⅔ cups buttermilk

Instructions

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  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together both the flours, salt, and baking soda. Add the seeds if using them.
  3. Add the butter to the flour and seed mixture. Using just your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In another bowl or measuring cup, lightly whisk the egg together with the buttermilk.
  5. Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture and pour in approximately 3/4 of the buttermilk and egg mixture. Using your hand, bring the dry and wet ingredients together. Work in a circular motion beginning in the center and bringing in flour from the sides of the bowl. Add more of the buttermilk if needed to make a soft but not sticky dough.
  6. Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently shape the dough into a round about 1 1/2 inches thick.
  7. Transfer to a baking sheet. Cut a deep cross in the top of the dough round and prick each quadrant with the point of a sharp knife.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the oven down to 400 degrees and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
  9. To test whether the loaf is done, tap it on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
  10. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Notes

  • Irish soda bread is meant to be eaten on the same day it’s baked. However, if you do have leftovers, store the completely cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days.
  • Avoid refrigerating the bread, as this can dry it out quickly.
  • To reheat, warm individual slices lightly in a toaster or briefly in a moderate oven until just heated through.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1slice Calories 276kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 43g (14%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 34mg (11%) Sodium 510mg (21%) Potassium 200mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 201IU (4%) Calcium 74mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 276

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice
Calories 276kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 43g 14%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Sodium 510mg 21%
Potassium 200mg 4%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 201IU 4%
Calcium 74mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.