Garlic and Onion bread is an incredibly delicious and super-simple type of quick bread that requires no yeast! Based on the classic Irish soda bread recipe, this bread gets its lift from the combination of buttermilk and baking soda
Rustic in appearance it is tenderly soft inside and the most fantastic crusty exterior.
With just a handful of basic ingredients, it's easy to make and ready in under an hour.
So whether you're dipping it in soups, mopping up a plate of deliciousness, or simply slathering it with butter - this bread is the perfect accompaniment!
How to make Quick Garlic and Onion Bread
NOTE: Visual guide only - full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions at the end of this post
- Cook onion and garlic (1 minute)
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. Use your fingertips or pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour, until it resembles a breadcrumb like appearance.
- Stir the cooled onion and garlic into the flour mixture.
- Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to form a sticky dough.
- Transfer to a 8x4 inch (20x10 cm) loaf pan.
- Bake until golden brown, 35-40 minutes.
Tips for making this recipe
- Get the dough into the oven within 5 minutes of mixing. Once the buttermilk is added it activates the baking soda. The longer its left out of the oven at this stage, the denser it becomes.
- To achieve a light, soft inner texture, avoid kneading or over handling the dough. Over handling the dough produces a dense tough texture.
- Avoid adding more flour than mentioned in this recipe. Because we are not kneading this dough, it's fine if its sticky. So don't be tempted to add additional flour.
Frequently asked questions
Make the buttermilk substitute by combining milk with freshly squeezed lemon juice or vinegar. Set aside for 10 minutes to curdle and thicken.
Plain unflavored yogurt is another substitute for buttermilk. Scoop and use the thickest part of the yogurt.
* measurements for alternative in recipe card below
Can be baked in a 9 inch (23cm) greased cast-iron skillet or 9 inch (23cm) round baking pan ( Same baking time and temperature applies as in the recipe)
I use red onion, because of its slightly sweeter flavor compared to brown or white onion. But use whatever you have. Brown or white onion will still add amazing flavor to your bread.
Enjoy ♡
Quick Garlic and Onion Bread (No yeast)
Ingredients
For the onion and garlic mix
- 1 Tablespoon oil (either canola, olive or sunflower oil should work well)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (not too fine)
- 2 - 3 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
For the dough
- 4 cups cake or all purpose flour (see note 1)
- 1 level teaspoon baking soda / bicarbonate of soda (ensure that you are using baking soda - NOT Baking powder)
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk OR plain unflavored yogurt (see note 2 for alternative)
Instructions
Onion and garlic mix
- In a small pot, heat the oil over medium low heat. Add onion and cook for one minute.
- Add garlic, cook for 10 seconds longer. Do not cook garlic for more than 10 seconds, particularly if it has been minced. Overcooking it can cause a bitter taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F /180°C ( 160°C fan oven). Line an 8x4 inch (20x10 cm) loaf pan with parchment (baking paper) and set aside.(See note 3)
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. Use your fingertips or pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour, until it resembles a breadcrumb like appearance.
- Stir the cooled onion and garlic into the flour mixture.
- Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon to form a sticky dough.
- Transfer the dough to the baking pan.
- Bake for 35 - 40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove the baked bread from the oven, but leave in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.
- Allow to cool for about 15 to 20 more minutes before slicing. See note 4
Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh or a few days after baking. However if you still do have a few slices left over, here's how to store.
- At room temperature: In an airtight container for up to 2 days
- In the refrigerator: In an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: In an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Notes
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice or vinegar.
- Mix together and set aside for 10 minutes to curdle and thicken.
- Use in place of the buttermilk or yogurt
- You will notice that the volume of milk is just under 1 ½ cups of buttermilk - since this replacement is thinner, you'll need to use a little less to prevent the dough from becoming too runny or wet.
Nutrition
Still hungry for more?
Follow on YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, or Subscribe for the latest recipe updates.
