Oatmeal Bread

This Oatmeal Bread recipe is soft, hearty, and lightly sweetened with honey for perfect homemade flavor. Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour, it creates a tender texture ideal for sandwiches, toast, or breakfast. This easy oatmeal bread bakes beautifully every time with simple ingredients and a comforting aroma. Great for beginners or experienced bakers, it’s a wholesome bread recipe that stays fresh, freezes well, and adds homemade goodness to any meal.

Soft, slightly sweet, and full of wholesome flavor, this homemade Oatmeal Bread is perfect for sandwiches, breakfast toast, or simply served warm with butter. Made with rolled oats, honey, and a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, it’s hearty yet tender — a true comfort classic that’s easy to bake from scratch.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups milk, brought to a simmer
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or instant oats)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup honey
• 4 ½ teaspoons instant yeast*
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 ¼ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• Egg wash: 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oat Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the oats and butter. Heat the milk to a simmer, pour it over the oats and butter, and stir to combine. Set aside for about 1½ hours until the mixture reaches room temperature.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Yeast
   Stir in the honey, warm water, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Incorporate the Flours
   Add the whole wheat flour and mix on medium-low speed until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, a little at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. Knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic, scraping the bowl as needed.
4. First Rise
   Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Shape and Prepare for Baking
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each piece into a loaf and place them into two lightly greased loaf pans. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with a few dry oats for texture.
6. Second Rise
   Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and let rise until the loaves rise about 1 inch above the rim of the pans, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Carefully remove the plastic wrap.
7. Bake the Bread
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped (an instant-read thermometer should register 200°F).
8. Cool and Serve
   Cool the loaves in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Tips

• Avoid adding too much flour — a slightly soft dough will result in a lighter, more tender loaf.
• For best results, ensure the oat mixture is fully cooled before adding the yeast.
• Use a thermometer to check doneness; the center should reach 200°F.
• Brush the loaves with butter after baking for a soft, shiny crust.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup or molasses for a deeper flavor.
• Flour: Substitute all whole wheat flour for a denser, more rustic loaf, or all all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk and plant-based butter alternatives.

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FAQs

Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Yes. Mix and knead the dough by hand for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

How should I store Oatmeal Bread?
Keep in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why is my bread dense?
Over-flouring or insufficient kneading can cause a heavy texture. Make sure the dough is soft and well-kneaded.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve slices warm with butter, honey, or jam for breakfast. It’s also excellent for sandwiches, toast, or French toast. Pair with soups, stews, or salads for a comforting, wholesome meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, hearty texture with a natural hint of sweetness.
• Perfect balance of whole grains and oats for added nutrition.
• Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Great for everyday use — from breakfast toast to dinner sides.