Our Favorite Oatmeal Bread
A hearty oatmeal bread with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, offering a soft crust and moist crumb that appeals to all bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine oats, wheat flour, sugar, salt, and margarine in a large bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it cool to lukewarm.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled batter.
- Stir in 5 cups of white flour and knead for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Shape the dough into 2 loaves and place in greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Cool on a rack, brushing the loaves with margarine for a soft crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the dough. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute margarine with coconut oil or applesauce. Ensure your water is not too hot when mixing with the yeast, as it can kill the yeast. For a sweeter touch, you can add a bit of honey or maple syrup into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This oatmeal bread is delicious served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making it a great accompaniment to dishes like Vegetable And Meat Casserole. For breakfast, toast slices and top with peanut butter or avocado for a nutritious start to your day.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Oatmeal Bread contains roughly 318 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% 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 rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will give a chewier texture to the bread. You may need to increase the soaking time slightly to allow the oats to soften before mixing.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this oatmeal bread, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to include xanthan gum as per the blend's instructions to help with the bread’s structure. Additionally, check that your oats are certified gluten-free.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was appropriate when activating it. If the kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a warm area or using the oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
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).