Irish Wheaten Bread: Traditional Irish Brown Bread Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Irish Wheaten Bread filling your home after a long day. This rustic, hearty loaf has been a staple in Irish households for generations, and for good reason. With its dense, nutty texture and slightly sweet flavor, Irish Wheaten Bread transforms even the simplest meal into something special.

Whether you’re looking to connect with your Irish heritage, seeking a healthier bread alternative, or simply wanting to impress your family with your baking skills, this traditional Irish Wheaten Bread recipe is the perfect place to start. What makes this bread truly special is its simplicity—no yeast, no lengthy rising time, just wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious.

As someone who’s been baking this bread for years, I can promise you that the combination of whole wheat flour, buttermilk, and just a touch of sweetness creates a loaf that’s not only nourishing but incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into making authentic Irish Wheaten Bread together!

Why You’ll Love This Irish Wheaten Bread

• ✅ Traditional Irish Wheaten Bread recipe passed down through generations
• ✅ No yeast required – perfect for beginning bakers afraid of working with yeast
• ✅ Authentic Irish Wheaten Bread with buttermilk for that classic tangy flavor
• ✅ Ready in just about an hour – quick enough for weeknight baking
• ✅ Healthier alternative to white bread with wholesome whole wheat ingredients
• ✅ Versatile Irish Wheaten Bread that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or simply butter and jam
• ✅ Impressive homemade bread that will make everyone think you’re a master baker

Ingredients for Irish Wheaten Bread

To make this authentic Irish Wheaten Bread, you’ll need:

• 225g strong bread flour, plus extra for kneading and dusting
• 300g whole wheat flour (sometimes called wholemeal flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 2 teaspoons caster sugar
• 60g cold margarine, cut into small cubes
• 15ml vegetable oil
• 60ml vegetable oil
• 500ml buttermilk
• Butter, for serving

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• If buttermilk is unavailable, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 500ml of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• For a healthier Irish Wheaten Bread variation, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
• While traditional Irish Wheaten Bread uses wheat, for a gluten-free alternative, try a gluten-free flour blend plus 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum.

How to Make Irish Wheaten Bread – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1:

 Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

Step 2:

 In a large mixing bowl, combine 225g strong bread flour, 300g whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, and 2 teaspoons caster sugar. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: 

Add the 60g cold, cubed margarine to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the margarine into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Making the Dough

Step 4:

 Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the 15ml and 60ml of vegetable oil, followed by the 500ml buttermilk.

Step 5: 

Using a wooden spoon or your hand, mix gently to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: 

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead very briefly – just enough to bring it together. Over-kneading will make your Irish Wheaten Bread tough.

Shaping and Baking

Step 7: 

Shape the dough into a round loaf about 2 inches (5cm) thick.

Step 8: 

Transfer the loaf to your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross into the top of the loaf – this is traditional for Irish Wheaten Bread and helps it bake evenly.

Step 9: 

Dust the top lightly with a little extra flour for that rustic look.

Step 10:

 Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 11: 

Transfer to a wire rack to cool. For the best texture, allow your Irish Wheaten Bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Irish Wheaten Bread

• Handle with care: The secret to the best Irish Wheaten Bread is minimal handling. Unlike yeast breads, wheaten bread should be kneaded as little as possible.
• Work quickly: Once the buttermilk meets the baking soda, a reaction begins. Get your loaf into the oven promptly for the best rise.
• Check your baking soda: Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising. Old baking soda can result in dense bread.
• Buttermilk temperature matters: Room temperature buttermilk works better than cold from the refrigerator.
• Scoring the top: Don’t skip scoring the cross on top – not only is it traditional, but it helps the bread bake evenly through the center.
• Can I make Irish Wheaten Bread ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be prepared up to the point of baking and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Irish Wheaten Bread

Irish Wheaten Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve warm slices with a generous spread of good Irish butter – this simple serving suggestion lets the bread’s flavor shine.
• Toast it lightly and top with smoked salmon and cream cheese for an elevated breakfast or appetizer.
• Pair with traditional Irish stew or hearty soups for an authentic meal.
• Irish Wheaten Bread makes excellent sandwiches, especially with cold cuts, cheese, and pickles.
• For breakfast, toast and serve with jam, honey, or marmalade.
• Crumble day-old Irish Wheaten Bread to make delicious breadcrumbs for cooking.

For a complete Irish-themed meal, serve your Irish Wheaten Bread alongside our Traditional Irish Beef Stew or Creamy Potato and Leek Soup.

Nutritional Information for Irish Wheaten Bread

Per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf):

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg

This nutritional profile makes Irish Wheaten Bread a healthier alternative to many commercial breads, particularly due to its higher fiber content from the whole wheat flour.

Storage & Leftovers

Irish Wheaten Bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Room temperature: Wrap in a clean tea towel or store in a bread bin for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerator: Irish Wheaten Bread can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, though this may slightly affect the texture.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy toasting.
• Reheating: To refresh day-old bread, sprinkle with a little water and warm in a 180°C oven for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Wheaten Bread

What is Irish Wheaten Bread made of?

Irish Wheaten Bread is made from a mixture of whole wheat flour and white bread flour, combined with buttermilk, baking soda, salt, sugar, and fat (traditionally butter or margarine). Unlike many breads, it doesn’t contain yeast, making it a quick bread variety.

How do you store Irish Wheaten Bread?

Store Irish Wheaten Bread wrapped in a clean tea towel at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Slicing before freezing allows you to take out just what you need.

Can you freeze Irish Wheaten Bread?

Yes, Irish Wheaten Bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

What makes Irish Wheaten Bread different?

Irish Wheaten Bread is different from other breads in that it uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent, and buttermilk which reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise. This gives it its distinctive texture and slightly tangy taste. It’s also much quicker to make than yeast breads as it doesn’t require rising time.

Conclusion

Once you’ve mastered this traditional Irish Wheaten Bread recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating this rustic loaf with your own hands—connecting to Irish heritage through food in the most delicious way possible.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a bowl of soup, as part of a hearty breakfast, or simply with good butter and jam, Irish Wheaten Bread brings a touch of Irish comfort to any table. The wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation make this bread not just a treat for special occasions, but a practical addition to your regular baking routine.

I’d love to hear how your Irish Wheaten Bread turns out! Did you try any variations? Share your experiences in the comments below, or tag us in your bread photos on social media. Happy baking!

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