Name: Honey Oatmeal Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon rolled oats, for topping (optional)

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Honey Oatmeal Bread is a deliciously soft and slightly sweet bread, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or enjoying with a warm bowl of soup. The combination of oats and honey gives the bread a hearty texture with a touch of natural sweetness, while the subtle nutty flavor from the oats makes each slice irresistible. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this homemade bread will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is the perfect balance of sweet, hearty, and wholesome. The oats give the bread a chewy, satisfying texture, while the honey provides just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. It’s also easy to make, and the aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen with warmth. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just eating on its own, this honey oatmeal bread is sure to be a favorite in your home.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oats: In a medium bowl, pour the warm water over the rolled oats. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey, and let the oats soak for 5 minutes to soften.
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water with the yeast and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir gently and allow the yeast to activate for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and foamy.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the oat mixture with the yeast mixture, olive oil, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring as you go, until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour if needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges in and rolling it up into a tight cylinder. Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up and fills the pan.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If desired, you can drizzle a little honey over the top before baking for extra sweetness and a shiny finish.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices). Prep time is about 15 minutes, with rising time of 2 to 2.5 hours, and bake time is 30-35 minutes.

Variations

Add-ins: Add sunflower seeds, walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more nutritious bread.
Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough for a warm, sweet variation.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute olive oil with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also store it in a bread bag or wrapped in plastic wrap.
Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Reheating: To refresh the bread, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crusty.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are best for this recipe, as they provide a heartier texture. Quick oats can be used, but the texture may not be as chewy.

Can I make this bread without honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave, or sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough, but you will need to adjust the settings and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for similar recipes.

Can I add other seeds or nuts?

Yes! Pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped almonds make a wonderful addition to the dough for added flavor and texture.

How do I make the bread softer?

To make the bread softer, reduce the baking time slightly, and keep the bread covered with a towel while it cools.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser loaf, but be careful not to use too much as it could affect the texture.

Conclusion

Honey Oatmeal Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and hearty, with a soft, fluffy crumb and a hint of honey in every bite. It’s versatile enough to pair with both savory and sweet dishes, and the addition of oats gives it a satisfying, chewy texture. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven with butter or making sandwiches, this bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.