Oatmeal Bread is a hearty, slightly sweet bread with a soft texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. The oats add a lovely nutty flavor and help keep the bread moist. Here’s a simple recipe for Oatmeal Bread:
Oatmeal Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for brushing on top, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oats:
- In a large bowl, pour the boiling water over the rolled oats. Stir to combine and let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
2. Add Butter and Sweetener:
- Once the oats have softened, add the butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the bowl. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Let the mixture cool to a warm temperature (about 110°F/43°C).
3. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy and bubbly.
4. Mix the Dough:
- Once the oat mixture has cooled and the yeast is activated, add the yeast mixture to the oats. Stir in the salt and about 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour until the dough is soft but not too sticky. You may need a little more or less flour depending on the humidity.
5. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
6. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it tightly and pinching the seams together.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
8. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
9. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough completes its second rise.
10. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you’d like, you can brush the top with a beaten egg before baking for a glossy finish.
11. Cool the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add a handful of seeds (like sunflower or sesame seeds) or even raisins to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
This Oatmeal Bread is a wholesome, delicious bread that’s perfect for any meal. The oats provide a slightly nutty flavor and a tender texture, making it a family favorite! Enjoy!