Introduction
Baking bread is both an art and a science, allowing you to create a delightful homemade treat that can warm your home and heart. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of all-purpose flour and rolled oats, enhanced by the natural sweetness of honey. With a simple method and a bit of patience, you can enjoy freshly baked bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Let’s dive into the details of the ingredients and steps involved in creating this delicious bread.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup honey
1 cup milk (warmed to 110ºF)
Prep Time
45-60 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
This recipe is both straightforward and rewarding, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and experienced ones looking to create something wholesome. Follow the steps closely to ensure your bread rises and bakes perfectly for that delightful homemade flavor and texture. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread with this simple yet effective recipe!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, active dry yeast, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until evenly combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the honey and warmed milk (110ºF) to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and activates the yeast.
3. Knead the Dough
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Knead the dough on a low speed for approximately 7 minutes. The dough should form a slightly tacky ball.
4. First Rise
Form the kneaded dough into a ball and lightly coat it with oil. Place the oiled dough back into the mixing bowl, then cover it with a dry kitchen towel. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which will take about 45-60 minutes.
5. Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, gently deflate it. Shape the dough into a loaf and roll it in additional rolled oats to coat the surface.
6. Second Rise
Place the oat-covered loaf into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a dry kitchen towel and let it rise again until it doubles in size, which should take approximately 45 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350ºF.
8. Bake the Bread
Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
9. Cool the Bread
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for some time before slicing.
Notes
Yeast Activation
Ensure that the milk is warmed to about 110ºF, as temperatures that are too hot can kill the yeast, while temperatures that are too cool may not activate it effectively.
Tacky Dough
The dough should feel slightly tacky to the touch after kneading; avoid adding too much extra flour.
Rising Time
Rising times may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Always let the dough rise until it has doubled in size for best results.
Storage
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients (flour, oats, yeast, and salt) in the stand mixer bowl before adding the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of yeast and salt.
Activating Yeast
Let the mixture of wet ingredients sit for about 5 minutes. This step activates the yeast and allows the oats to absorb some moisture, which is crucial for the dough’s texture.
Kneading Dough
Use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for approximately 7 minutes. The goal is to achieve a slightly tacky ball consistency, which indicates enough gluten development.
First Rise
After kneading, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise until it doubles in size, generally taking 45-60 minutes.
Shaping the Loaf
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Rolling it in additional oats adds texture and visual appeal to the crust.
Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, allowing it to expand before baking.
Baking the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and bake the loaf for 25 minutes. This temperature and time yield a golden brown crust along with a thoroughly cooked interior.
Cooling the Bread
After baking, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. This step prevents moisture buildup at the bottom of the loaf, ensuring a better texture.
FAQ
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as alternatives, but this may slightly alter the flavor and moisture content.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check the freshness of your yeast. If it is expired or not properly activated, the dough may not rise. Ensure you are using warm milk (about 110ºF) for optimal yeast activity.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but using whole wheat flour may result in denser bread. Consider adding extra liquid to compensate for the absorption differences.
How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature is around 190ºF.
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
This wholesome bread combines the nutty flavor of rolled oats with the sweetness of honey, creating a delightful loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side for soups and salads. The use of active dry yeast ensures a light and fluffy texture, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Oatmeal Raisin Bread
Add 1 cup of raisins to the dough during the mixing process for a sweet and chewy variation.
Honey Walnut Oat Bread
Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts into the dough for added crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
Herb Infused Oat Bread
Mix 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
Cinnamon Oat Bread
Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients and sprinkle some on top before baking for a fragrant touch.
Savory Oat and Cheese Bread
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella into the kneaded dough for a cheesy delight.
Chocolate Chip Oat Bread
Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips during the final knead for a deliciously sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
