“This is a brilliant recipe. Have made it several times since finding it on your site. Stays lovely and moist for a couple of days. But then it makes super toast! ~Mary
Soda bread is a traditional Irish bread made without yeast
This amazing Irish oatmeal soda bread is made in under an hour, from start to finish! It has a unique texture and a charming simplicity. Whether you’re putting together a St. Patrick’s Day menu, or just looking for a quick no-yeast no-knead bread for dinner, this is a must try.
Irish soda bread is a type of bread that has been a staple in Ireland for centuries. The simple recipe is made from flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. It has a distinctive flavor and texture that is both dense and crumbly, and is often enjoyed with butter or jam.
oat flour enriches this rustic soda bread
I’ve used one of my favorite ingredients to bump up the flavor and texture of this Irish oatmeal soda bread ~ oat flour! It’s naturally sweet, and adds so much to almost anything you bake. And guess what? You don’t need to go out and buy anything special, you can whip up your own by processing regular oats, either rolled or steel cut, in a food processor or high speed blender. I used my Vitamix and it took less than a minute. The resulting flour is silky and really delicious. For more details, check out my post about how to make your own oat flour.
the benefits of oat flour in baking
- Nutritional benefits: Oat flour is a good source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients, which can help to make bread recipes like this Irish oatmeal soda bread more nutritious and filling.
- Moisture retention: Oat flour has a higher water-holding capacity than many other types of flours, which can help to keep bread recipes moist and tender.
- Binding properties: The high protein content in oat flour can help to bind bread dough together and improve its structure.
- Flavor and texture: Oat flour can add a nutty flavor and slightly denser texture to bread recipes, which can be particularly appealing in rustic or whole-grain breads.
why do we cut a cross into the top of this oatmeal soda bread?
The reason for cutting a cross in the top of Irish soda bread has both practical and symbolic significance.
Practically, cutting a cross in the top of the bread allows the heat to penetrate deeper into the dough during baking, which helps the bread cook more evenly. This technique also helps the bread to rise properly, as the cross allows the steam to escape as the bread bakes.
Symbolically, the cross is often seen as a way of blessing the bread and protecting it from evil. In traditional Irish households, it was believed that cutting a cross into the bread would ward off the devil and protect the household from harm. The cross also served as a way to divide the bread into quarters, which could represent the four provinces of Ireland or the four elements of nature.
what to serve with soda bread
- Traditional Irish Leek and Potato Soup
- Classic New England Fish Pie Recipe
- The Best Cottage Pie Recipe
- Dublin Coddle ~ a quick cooking Irish stew!
- Corn and Cheddar Cheese Chowder
- Finnish Salmon Soup
- Mushroom and Brie Soup
- Potato Soup with Bratwurst
Irish Oatmeal Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (possibly a little bit more)
Instructions
- Set oven to 425F
- Whisk the flours, salt, and soda together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center, and add about 1 1/2 cups of the buttermilk. Gradually mix the flour and buttermilk, adding the remaining buttermilk if your dough seems too dry. The dough will have a rough texture to it.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead briefly until it comes together. Form into an 8 inch round disk. Transfer to a baking sheet and cut a cross in the top with a sharp knife.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. It should sound hollow when you rap the bottom.
- Let cool for a few minutes, but then enjoy it while still warm, with some good Irish butter, of course!
Video
Notes
- If you want a real treat, Make Your own Butter to have with your bread!
Nutrition
CAN YOU USE ONLY OAT FLOUR TO MAKE THIS BREAD?
No, you’ve got lots of options…you can use all plain flour, or you can substitute another whole grain flour for the oat flour, like whole wheat for instance.
Hi,
Can you make this soda bread with gluten free flour?
Hi Sue, can I use simple yogurt instead of buttermilk? Thank You.
I think that should work fine, Georgiana, you might want to thin it down with a little milk first.
Has anyone tried this using half oat flour and half ap floor? Trying to scale back my wheat consumption, but unsure how much effect that would have on the texture.
Hi Sue, I live on the most northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head, where leprechauns jump out of the bread, not fairies!! ? DQ
lol 🙂
I have made this for years, both as a loaf and as individual buns. I like your oat flour idea but my recipe uses the old fashioned oats. I leave them soaking in the buttermilk overnight before I make the bread. The time makes for a sour dough flavor which is wonderful when you make toast from it.
Love the soaking idea, Jo, I can’t wait to experiment with it, thanks.
I made this using Almond milk and rice vinegar as well as using half salt and half salt substitute. instead of kneading after I added liquid I just folded the mixture until incorporated and then a few extra times as the baking soda/ vinegar reaction gave it a lift so to speak. Makes a good Vegan alternative. Turned out well.
I don’t drink milk and am allergic to yeast and eggs so always looking for alternatives.
Thanks for that feedback Meraiah, it’s so valuable to my vegan readers!
Hello!
Have you tried very fresh eggs from your own chickens? Many folks who think they’re allergic to eggs find they can tolerate farm fresh eggs just, fine, myself included 🙂
This bread looks perfect! I’ve been planning to make Irish soda bread for a number of years, and this post is another sign I shouldn’t wait for another few years:) Well done!
I was the same way Ben, I thought it didn’t sound very appealing at first, but I’m a total convert, the texture is wonderful, and you can’t beat how easy it is!
My husband loves raisins in his soda bread. Can I add some raisins to this bread, and how many should I use? Thank you!
Yes I also love raisins in my bread. Would love to know how it effects the bake.
You can definitely add raisins to this bread, it would be delish!
Oh I love the idea of using oats for this!