Homemade Oatmeal Bread (Two Easy Recipes)

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There’s nothing like the smell of homemade bread in the oven. Oatmeal bread is a great place to start if you’re new to yeast baking: the oats make it soft, moist and full of flavor, and it’s forgiving. Here are two versions: a classic soft white oatmeal loaf, and a heartier buttermilk whole wheat oat bread that makes two loaves.

Bread-baking tips for beginners

• Check your yeast. Warm water should feel like a baby’s bath (105 to 115°F). Too hot kills the yeast.
• Knead fully. The dough should be smooth and spring back when poked.
• Let it rise somewhere warm, like an oven with just the light on.
• Use a thermometer. Bread is done at 190 to 200°F in the center.
• Cool before slicing so the inside isn’t gummy.

Mandie

Classic Soft Oatmeal Bread

A soft, tender sandwich loaf made with rolled oats, butter and a little brown sugar.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Rise 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup warm water 105 to 115°F
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for kneading
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter softened

Method

 

1. Pour the boiling water over the oats and let cool to lukewarm.
2. Stir the yeast into the warm water and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar and salt. Add the oats, yeast mixture and butter and stir into a dough.
4. Knead 6 to 8 minutes until smooth, adding flour as needed.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Cover and let rise until about 1 inch above the pan, 45 to 60 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden and 190°F in the center. Cool on a rack.

Mandie

Buttermilk Whole Wheat Oat Bread

A hearty two-loaf bread with oats, whole wheat flour and buttermilk.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Rise 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 slices

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats plus more for topping
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 tbsp salt

Method

 

1. Pour the boiling water over the oats. Stir the yeast into the warm water. Let both sit 10 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer, combine everything except the salt and mix with the dough hook 2 minutes. Rest 20 minutes.
3. Add the salt and knead on medium 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Divide in half and shape into 2 loaves. Place in greased 9×5-inch pans, brush with water and sprinkle with oats. Rise 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Bake at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes, until browned and 190 to 200°F in the center. Cool 10 minutes in the pans, then on a rack.

Notes

Freezes well; slice before freezing.

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FAQ

Can I use quick oats?

Yes, though old-fashioned oats give more texture.

How do I store homemade bread?

In a bread bag on the counter for 2 to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Can I knead by hand?

Yes. Knead about 10 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking.

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• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Applesauce Banana Bread
• Tuscan Tomato Bread Soup