If you’re searching for a delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or just want to bake a loaf of bread that’s both hearty and flavorful, this Homemade Sourdough Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread is a great recipe to try.
This easy recipe is a twist on the traditional Irish soda bread recipe, using sourdough starter discard to add a subtle tangy flavor and tender crumb that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or a bowl of Irish stew.
Whether you’re new to sourdough bread or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover sourdough starter and create something special.
Stay tuned as we dive into the details and help you bake your very own Homemade Sourdough Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread with ease.
Why You Will Love This Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Nutritious: This recipe uses whole wheat flour, which is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. You can sub in some soft wheat flour as well.
Digestible: The sourdough starter used in this recipe helps to break down the gluten and other complex carbohydrates in the flour, making it easier to digest.
Flavorful: The sourdough starter also adds a tangy, complex flavor to the bread that’s hard to replicate with other leavening agents.
Unique Texture: The combination of whole wheat flour and sourdough starter creates a dense, chewy texture that’s perfect for spreading with butter or dipping into Irish stew.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, with clear instructions that even beginner bakers can follow.
Perfect for St. Patty’s Day: Sourdough Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread is a traditional Irish recipe that’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion.
Tips On How To Make Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your wet ingredients, such as sour milk and sourdough starter discard, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the flour mixture and wet ingredients together just until combined to avoid a dense bread.
- Score the Top: Use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf to help it bake evenly and look more authentic.
- Check for Golden Brown: Bake the bread until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack to prevent a soggy bottom.
FAQ
What is the difference between traditional Irish soda bread and this sourdough version?
Traditional Irish soda bread uses baking soda as the primary leavening agent and is typically made with white flour or whole grain flour. This sourdough version includes sourdough discard, which adds a slight tang and a tender crumb to the bread.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter bread. However, the whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and makes the bread heartier.
How do I store leftover bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the bread wrapped in aluminum foil and a plastic bag for up to three months.
Can I add caraway seeds or other flavors?
Absolutely! You can add caraway seeds for a more traditional flavor or experiment with other additions like orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Tools you may need
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Ingredients you will need
Whole Wheat Flour: This is a type of flour that is made by grinding the whole wheat grain, including the bran and germ. It adds a nutty flavor and texture to the bread.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a tangy dairy product that adds richness and flavor to the bread. It also helps to activate the baking soda, which helps the bread to rise.
Large Egg: Eggs are used in this recipe to provide moisture and structure to the bread. They also help to create a golden brown crust.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that adds flavor and moisture to the bread. It also helps to activate the yeast and promote fermentation.
Sourdough Starter or Discard: Sourdough starter or discard is a mixture of flour and water fermented with wild yeast and bacteria. It provides a unique flavor and texture to the bread.
Salted Butter: Salted butter adds richness and flavor to the bread. It also helps to tenderize the dough and create a soft crumb.
Cream of Tarter: Cream of Tarter is a leavening agent that helps activate the baking soda.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the bread to rise. It contains a mixture of baking soda and acid, which reacts when mixed with liquid.
Sea Salt: Sea salt is a natural salt that adds flavor and enhances the other ingredients in the bread. It also helps to regulate the fermentation process.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the bread to rise. It reacts with acid in the recipe, such as buttermilk, to create carbon dioxide gas.
How To Make Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread (discard or starter)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan or prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Add in the orange zest if using.
Step 3: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough discard and sour milk together until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a couple of times until it comes together into a ball.
Step 7: Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Use a sharp knife to score an “X” on the top of the loaf.
Step 8: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving with creamy Irish butter.
Storage Ideas for Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
- You can store your sourdough bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bread at room temperature and reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Ruby Ann and I also have a Tradition Irish Soda Bread Recipe thats full of favor and oh so flaky and buttery good!!
For even more delicious, homemade treats, explore our favorite cozy recipes below;
We hope you enjoy this Homemade Sourdough Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread as much as we do. If you make this recipe, please tag us @themoderndaycottage on Instagram and leave a comment below. Don’t forget to 📌 pin this recipe to your 📌 Pinterest board for future baking adventures. Happy Baking!
Homemade Sourdough Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread
This healthy and delicious Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside and packs a tangy and nutty flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 c. of Whole Wheat Flour (481g) + 50grams
- 1 1/2 c. buttermilk (355ml)
- 1 large egg (33g)
- 5 1/2 tsp honey (39g)
- 1 cup sourdough starter(100 g) *or 1/2 c. discard (100g)
- 5 tbsp. salted butter *cold (71g)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp cream of tarter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place a baking stone or baking sheet in the oven on the middle rack or use a cast iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 481g of whole wheat flour, 2 tsp. of baking powder, 1/2 tsp. of baking soda, 1 tsp of cream or tarter, and 1 tsp. of salt.
- Grate 5 tbsp of cold salted butter into the flour mixture and mix lightly to coat the butter.
- In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, add 355ml of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 39g of honey, and 100g of sourdough starter or discard. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients into the liquids in your stand mixer or large bowl. Combine until well incorporated and there are no dry lumps. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 1 hour.
- After an hour, shape the shaggy dough into a boule, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Place the boule onto a lightly floured surface and score it with an X to help the center bake.
- Place the boule into a 12-inch cast iron pan, Dutch oven, baking sheet, or pizza stone, and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.
- Once baked, take the sourdough boule out of the oven and rest it on a cooling rack for 1 hour.
- Slice the Whole Wheat Sourdough Irish Soda Bread and serve it with a hearty bowl of cabbage and beef stew.
Notes
- A mix of whole wheat flour and purpose flour or bread flour, which gives the bread its signature dense texture and nutty flavor.
- Baking soda as the rising agent, which reacts with the lactic acid in the sour milk to create tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide that make the bread rise.
- A sharp knife used to make a cross on the top of the bread, which allows it to expand while baking and creates a beautiful golden brown crust on top.
- A loaf pan lined with parchment paper, which helps the bread rise evenly and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
- A wire rack used to cool the bread after baking, which allows the steam to escape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Served with creamy Irish butter, which is the best part of any Irish soda bread.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 430mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 3g
“The Modern Day Cottage” are not dietitians or nutritionists, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Can you shore your recipe for the sour dough starter?
We appreciate your interest in learning how to make a sourdough starter! Ruby Ann and I are currently working on a detailed post to guide you through the process. Once completed, we will share the link in the comments section for you to access. Thank you for your interest and your patience!
The long-awaited “Sourdough Starter” guide has been released! Following weeks of testing various techniques, we’re thrilled to present our proven recipe. If you require any additional help with our guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.Here is the link: https://themoderndaycottage.com/cottage-inspired-sourdough-starter-recipe/