Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a wholesome bread that’s both hearty and satisfying, look no further than this Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe. It combines the nutty flavor and chewy texture of rolled oats with the subtle crunch and superfood benefits of chia seeds, all wrapped in a tender, fluffy loaf that you can proudly call your own. It’s a perfect slice for breakfast, a snack, or alongside your favorite meal, delivering nourishment and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making a truly remarkable loaf. Each component plays a special role, ensuring the bread has the right texture, rise, and flavor that make this recipe so enjoyable to bake and eat.
- Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds a lovely chewy texture and nutty taste while boosting fiber content.
- Chia seeds (2 tablespoons): Delivers a subtle crunch plus plant-based omega-3s and antioxidants.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for the bread’s structure, with an option to substitute half for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps ensure a soft crumb by providing extra lift alongside the yeast.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors and strengthens gluten for better dough elasticity.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast to create that perfect rise and a touch of sweetness.
- Milk (1 cup): Dairy or plant-based, milk adds moisture and enriches the crumb.
- Water (1/2 cup): Warm water activates yeast and hydrates the dry ingredients.
- Butter or olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides tenderness and a subtle richness.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic that makes this loaf rise and gain its airy texture.
How to Make Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the yeast, sugar, and warm water (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43 degrees Celsius) in a small bowl. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see it bubbling and frothy, which means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chia seeds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures every bite has a wonderful texture and flavor, setting the perfect base for your dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the milk, melted butter or olive oil, and the frothy yeast mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything gently until a shaggy dough begins to form, bringing all those lovely ingredients together into a single mass.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the gluten, making the dough smooth and elastic. It’s a satisfying process that helps you connect with your bread-making and ensures a great rise.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm, draft-free spot for it to rest and rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise builds flavor and gives your loaf its beautiful texture.
Step 6: Shape the Loaf
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape it into a neat loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and allow it to rise for another 20 to 30 minutes — the anticipation is part of the fun!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Bake your loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that makes it hard to wait.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial since it lets the crumb set, making slicing easier and preventing a gummy texture. Then, slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
How to Serve Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is fantastic simply spread with creamy butter or your favorite nut butter. For an extra touch, sprinkle on some seeds or a drizzle of honey. Savory lovers will adore it with smashed avocado and freshly cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
Because of its wholesome nature, this bread complements soups and salads wonderfully. Try it alongside a bowl of homemade vegetable soup or a crisp green salad to keep your meal balanced and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual toast! Turn slices into grilled sandwiches stuffed with melted cheese and veggies, or cube the bread to make crunchy croutons for soups and salads. The hearty texture holds up well to many delicious transformations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Oatmeal and Chia Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days, keeping that lovely chew and moist crumb intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Slice it first, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen bread at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen. Reheating gently in the oven or toaster revives the bread’s crust and enhances its comforting aroma and texture.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making your Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe even heartier.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop great flavor and the perfect texture. The first rise helps the dough double in size, while the second rise after shaping ensures a light and airy loaf.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Definitely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The recipe remains just as delicious and nutritious.
What is the role of chia seeds in this bread?
Chia seeds add a subtle crunch and are a powerhouse of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They also help retain moisture in the bread, keeping it fresh longer.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is a good indicator if you use a thermometer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking your own Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe. It’s not just bread; it’s a labor of love that fills your home with warmth and nourishes both body and soul. Give it a try and watch how this wholesome loaf becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Oatmeal and Chia Bread: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Loaf Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal and Chia Bread recipe offers a wholesome, hearty homemade loaf packed with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats and chia seeds. Combining yeast-leavened dough with the nutty flavor of oats and the health benefits of chia seeds, this bread is perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. The method involves mixing, kneading, rising, and baking to create a soft, flavorful bread with a golden crust and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute up to 1/2 cup with whole wheat flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, chia seeds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the milk, butter (or olive oil), and the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, promoting gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release gas, shape it into a loaf, then place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and improves slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute up to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use either dairy or plant-based milk based on your dietary preference.
- Ensure water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to efficiently activate the yeast.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
