Rustic Honey Oat Bread

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you've ever craved the comforting aroma of homemade bread wafting through your kitchen, this Rustic Honey Oat Bread is your ticket. With a perfect blend of sweet honey and hearty oats, it's a delightful twist on traditional bread that you'll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients for Rustic Honey Oat Bread

The star of this bread is the honey, which not only sweetens the loaf but also helps it achieve a beautifully golden crust. Rolled oats add a hearty texture, making each slice satisfyingly chewy. All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and volume. Warm water activates the yeast, which is crucial for the bread to rise and become fluffy. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and a touch of olive oil keeps the bread moist and tender. Finally, a bit of unsalted butter is used to grease the pan, ensuring the loaf comes out cleanly.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is chilly, let the dough rise in an oven that's been slightly warmed and then turned off.
  • For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the oats before adding them to the dough.
  • Use a serrated knife for the cleanest slices once the bread is cooled.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is the perfect canvas for all kinds of toppings. Try it with a smear of butter and a drizzle of extra honey for breakfast. It also makes an excellent base for hearty sandwiches or as a side with a warm bowl of soup. For a touch of indulgence, serve it with a cheese platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the step of proofing the yeast in water.
Can I replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can, but the bread will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.
How should I store this bread?
Keep it in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight bag.

Rustic Honey Oat Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the warm water and honey in a large bowl, stirring until the honey melts away. Sprinkle the yeast over this sweet concoction and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when you see a foamy layer on top — this means the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.

Now, add the flour, rolled oats, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough starts to form. Then, turn this dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a good 8-10 minutes. You're aiming for a smooth, elastic texture that feels like a soft pillow under your hands.

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl — a thin layer of butter works wonders here. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour. It should double in size, looking puffy and soft.

Once risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Nestle this loaf into a greased loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for a light, airy crumb.

Slide your loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. It's done when it sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing — the hardest part is waiting, but it's worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
  • The honey adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the oats.
  • Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter.
  • No fancy equipment required — just a bowl and a loaf pan!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey
1 cup warm water (110°F)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and honey, stirring until honey dissolves.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the honey water and let sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
3. Add the flour, rolled oats, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan.
8. Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

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