This oatmeal bread recipe creates a soft, hearty loaf with the nutritional benefits of oats. The bread has a slightly sweet flavor and a satisfying chewy texture, making it perfect for toast, sandwiches, or served alongside soups and stews.It's easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later use.
Combine the oats and warm water (or milk) in a bowl and stir. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the oats.
Mix and Knead the Dough
Add honey (or brown sugar), butter (or oil), and salt to the oat mixture and stir well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and yeast. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise
Punch the dough down to release air, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until the dough has risen just below the top of the pan.
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter (optional) for a golden finish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Texture Tips: For a lighter loaf, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier texture.
Storage: Store leftover oatmeal bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Alternatively, slice and freeze it for up to a month for easy access to fresh bread.
Add-Ins: You can enhance the flavor of your oatmeal bread by adding seeds, dried fruits, or nuts like sunflower seeds or raisins to the dough before the second rise.
No Yeast Option: If you prefer a no-yeast version, use 1 tablespoon of baking powder for a quick alternative. The bread won’t rise as much, but it will still be delicious.