Homemade Brown Bread
Homemade brown bread with rich molasses flavor, hearty oats, and a soft, chewy crumb. Perfect for wholesome breakfasts or sandwiches, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine boiling water, old fashioned oats, shortening, and salt; cool to 110° to 115°.
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Sprinkle with sugar, and mix well.
- Add oat mixture, brown sugar, molasses, and 3 cups of flour; mix thoroughly.
- Add enough remaining flour to form a soft, elastic dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to grease the top, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide in half.
- Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
- Brush with melted butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or seeds to the dough. If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Make sure the water temperature is accurate; too hot can kill the yeast. Keep the dough covered during rising to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade brown bread is delightful on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Margaret'S Mixed Vegetable Salad for a wholesome meal. Try it alongside soups like Green Or Yellow Split Pea Soup for a comforting combination, or toast slices for a delicious breakfast with your favorite spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brown bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Brown Bread contains roughly 394 calories, with 18g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so start by adding a little extra water if the dough feels too stiff.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator that the bread is fully baked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this brown bread vegan, simply replace the shortening with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).