Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This oatmeal bread bread machine recipe is your answer! Forget complicated kneading and proofing – your bread machine does all the hard work, leaving you with a deliciously wholesome loaf perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a simple yet satisfying dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for effortless homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions:
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Prepare the ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients. Ensure the water is the correct temperature for activating the yeast. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast and your bread won't rise properly.
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Add ingredients to the bread machine: Add the liquids first: warm water, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Then add the dry ingredients: oats, salt, baking powder, baking soda, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and yeast. Make sure the yeast isn't directly in contact with the salt.
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Select the dough cycle: Most bread machines have a dedicated dough cycle; select this setting. If your bread machine doesn't have a dedicated dough cycle, use the basic bread setting and stop the machine once the dough cycle is complete.
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Knead and rise: Allow the bread machine to knead the dough according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
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Shape the loaf: Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the bread machine. Shape it into a round or oblong loaf and place it into a lightly greased loaf pan.
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Second rise (optional but recommended): Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size. This step isn't always necessary, but it leads to a more airy and flavorful loaf.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents a soggy bottom and allows the bread to set properly.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: Using old yeast can result in a flat loaf. Check the expiration date before using.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Let the bread machine do its work.
- Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
- Add nuts or seeds: For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup of your favorite nuts or seeds to the dough. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds work particularly well.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cranberry Oatmeal Bread: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries into the dough for a delightful sweet and tart twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and slice size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and serving size. Generally, expect this recipe to provide a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. This makes it a healthy meal option, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a nutritious breakfast.
This easy oatmeal bread recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious homemade bread!