Welcome to the warm, inviting world of homemade bread! If you've ever craved the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, then you're in for a treat with this Classic Oatmeal Bread recipe. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also yields 12 delicious loaves that are perfect for toasting, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Imagine biting into a slice of soft, hearty bread that’s packed with wholesome oats and a hint of sweetness from honey. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let's dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 loaves
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 6-7 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 3 cups of rolled oats, 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 packets of active dry yeast, and 6-7 cups of all-purpose flour.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 3 cups of rolled oats. Stir well and reduce the heat to low. Cook the oats for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have absorbed most of the water and have a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the oatmeal cool down to a warm temperature, about 110°F (43°C). This is important as too hot a mixture can kill the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm oatmeal with 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Sprinkle the 2 packets of active dry yeast over the oatmeal mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy, indicating that it is active.
- Gradually add in 6 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. The dough will start to come together and become less sticky.
- If the dough is still very sticky after adding 6 cups of flour, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic but still slightly tacky to the touch.
- Once the dough has reached the right consistency, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece of dough into a loaf by flattening it slightly, folding the edges towards the center, and then rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the shaped loaves into greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Cover the pans with a towel and let the loaves rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the loaves are rising.
- Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Classic Oatmeal Bread as a delicious addition to any meal or as a base for sandwiches!
Tips
- Perfect Oatmeal Consistency: When cooking the oats, ensure they reach a thick, porridge-like consistency. This will help create a moist and flavorful bread.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the oatmeal to cool to about 110°F (43°C) before adding the yeast. Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast, which is crucial for rising.
- Knead for Success: Don’t skip the kneading step! Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving your bread the perfect texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on the oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your loaves in the oven. They’re done when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Overbaking can lead to dry bread.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the loaves to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the bread set and enhances its flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store your bread in a cool, dry place. For longer freshness, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freezing it.With these tips, your Classic Oatmeal Bread will turn out perfectly every time. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
