Welcome to a cozy kitchen experience with our Rustic Honey Oat White Bread. This loaf blends the wholesome charm of oats with the gentle sweetness of honey, making it perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this simple yet rewarding baking journey.
All-purpose flour creates the structure and body of the bread, giving it that classic white bread texture. Rolled oats add a wholesome, nutty element, providing chew and heartiness. Honey not only sweetens but also helps the bread to develop a beautiful golden crust. Active dry yeast is the leavening agent, making the dough rise and creating a light, airy loaf. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and keeps the yeast in check. Warm water activates the yeast, ensuring the dough rises properly. Finally, unsalted butter adds richness and flavor, making each slice irresistible.
This bread is delightful with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. It pairs wonderfully with a hearty soup or stew. For breakfast, try it toasted with a smear of cream cheese and a drizzle of extra honey.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, oats, yeast, and salt. This forms the base of your dough. Pour in the warm water and honey, and stir until everything is nicely mixed. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour until your mixture turns into a dough.
Now, sprinkle some flour over your countertop and knead the dough for about 8 minutes. You're aiming for a smooth and elastic texture. Once it feels right, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a cozy spot for about an hour. It should double in size.
After the first rise, give the dough a good punch down to release any gas bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Place this into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Before popping it in the oven, brush the top with some melted butter and, if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra oats on top. Bake for about 30 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown top, and it should sound hollow if you tap it. Once done, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.