Mum’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe (Brown Bread) for St. Patrick's Day

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (finely ground; can use coarser whole‑wheat flour)
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (helps lighten the bread)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (level; too much gives a greenish taste)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt for flavor)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed)
• 1.75 cups Buttermilk (can be homemade by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to milk and letting sit 5 min)
• 1 piece Large Egg (room temperature; adds richness)
• 2 tablespoons Rolled Oats (sprinkled on top for texture)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 425°F (210°C) and let it preheat fully.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 425°F

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl whisk together the whole‑wheat flour, all‑purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

   Time: PT5M

3. Incorporate Butter

   Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using clean hands or a fork, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.

   Time: PT5M

4. Prepare Wet Ingredients

   In a separate jug whisk together the buttermilk and the egg until combined.

   Time: PT3M

5. Combine Wet and Dry

   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the buttermilk‑egg mixture, and stir with a spatula until just combined. Then, using a clean hand, quickly bring the dough together into a rough ball.

   Time: PT5M

6. Shape the Loaf

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently pat it into a round about 1½ inches thick, and shape it into a rustic loaf.

   Time: PT5M

7. Prepare Tray, Score, and Glaze

   Generously flour a baking tray, place the loaf on it, score a deep cross on top, poke a small hole in each corner to “release the fairies,” brush the surface with a little of the leftover buttermilk‑egg mixture, and sprinkle the rolled oats.

   Time: PT5M

8. Bake at High Heat

   Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (210°C) to develop a crisp crust.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 425°F

9. Bake Until Done

   Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 350°F

10. Cool Bread

    Remove the loaf from the tray, transfer to a cooling rack, and let it cool completely before slicing.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

180

Protein

5g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

5g

Fiber

3g