Simple Irish Brown(-ish) Bread

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Dense. Nutty. Deeply comforting.

This Simple Irish Brown(-ish) Bread blends whole wheat flour, oats, and wheat germ into a hearty, sliceable loaf that’s made for toasting and slathering with salted Irish butter. No yeast. No kneading. Just honest, wholesome flavor.

Break out the Kerrygold. ☘️

table of contents

Why You’ll Love This Bread

✔ Hearty & nutty texture
✔ Perfect for toast
✔ No yeast required
✔ One bowl, simple method
✔ Rustic bakery-style crumb
✔ Freezer-friendly

Quick Recipe Snapshot

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Pan Size: 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan

Ingredients (Measured by Weight for Best Results)

  • 180g bread flour (1½ cups)
  • 165g whole wheat flour (1¼ cups)
  • 50g rolled oats (½ cup) + extra for topping
  • 44g wheat germ (½ cup)
  • 10g brown sugar (2 tsp)
  • 10g kosher salt (2 tsp Diamond Crystal)
  • 5g baking soda (1 tsp)
  • 1 egg
  • 450g buttermilk (1¾ cups)
  • 28g melted butter (2 tbsp)

Total flour = 2¾ cups combined.

How to Make Irish Brown(-ish) Bread

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Butter an 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk:
Flours, oats, wheat germ, sugar, salt, baking soda.

3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk:
Buttermilk, egg, melted butter.

4️⃣ Combine

Add wet to dry.

Stir with spatula until a wet, sticky batter forms.

Transfer to loaf pan.

Using a damp hand, smooth top evenly.

Sprinkle oats generously over surface.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake 45–55 minutes.

Internal temp: ~205°F (96°C).

Toothpick should come out clean.

Err slightly on over-baking — this bread is forgiving.

6️⃣ Cool

Cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Serving Ideas

  • Toasted with Irish butter
  • With orange marmalade
  • Alongside beef stew
  • With smoked salmon
  • With sharp cheddar
zinaba word

Simple Irish Brown Bread

This rustic Irish brown bread is dense, nutty, and hearty, made with whole wheat flour, oats, and wheat germ. A no-yeast loaf that’s perfect for slicing and toasting with butter.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup wheat germ
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • wooden spoon
  • wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together bread flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and wheat germ.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 45–55 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 85mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Use fresh baking soda if adding for extra lift. Toast slices before serving for enhanced flavor and texture.

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Conclusion

Simple Irish Brown(-ish) Bread is wholesome, rustic comfort at its best. Nutty oats, hearty whole wheat, and tangy buttermilk bake into a loaf that’s sturdy enough for soup and perfect for buttered toast.

Dense. Honest. Deeply satisfying. ☘️