Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a wholesome, heartwarming loaf to make at home, look no further than this delightful Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of hearty oats and nourishing chia seeds, coming together in a soft, slightly sweet bread that’s packed with texture and nutrition. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients elevating each other, resulting in a wonderfully moist and satisfying loaf perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or just a comforting snack any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a wonderfully textured and flavorful bread. Each one plays a crucial role, from the nutty oats and chia seeds providing moisture and nutrition, to the honey adding just the right touch of natural sweetness.

• Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds chewiness and a rustic, wholesome flavor to every slice.
• Chia seeds (1/2 cup): Creates a natural gel that keeps the bread moist and boosts fiber content.
• Warm water (1 1/2 cups): Activates the yeast and softens the oats and chia.
• Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): Gives the bread its rise and airy texture.
• Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Sweetens gently and helps activate the yeast.
• Olive oil or melted coconut oil (1 tablespoon): Adds tenderness and a subtle richness.
• All-purpose or whole wheat flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the backbone of the dough; whole wheat ups the nutritional profile.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a warm, cozy spice note if you like a hint of sweetness.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the rise for a lighter crumb.
• Oat flour (1/4 cup, optional): Makes the bread softer and lighter in texture.

How to Make Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oat and Chia Mixture

Start by combining the rolled oats and chia seeds with the warm water in a bowl. Let this sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so the seeds absorb the water and form a thick, gel-like texture. This mixture is key for that moist, chewy bite we love in this bread.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a smaller bowl, mix the yeast with honey (or maple syrup) and half a cup of warm water. Give it 5 to 10 minutes to become bubbly and frothy. This is how you know your yeast is happy and ready to give your bread a perfect rise.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, salt, optional cinnamon, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. This dry blend lays the foundation for the bread’s structure and subtle spices.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour in the oat-chia gel and the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until it starts to come together, then add your chosen oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms. The dough will be tacky but cohesive, which is exactly what you want for a soft crumb.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little flour incrementally to find that perfect consistency, but keep it moist so the bread stays tender.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise develops the bread’s light texture and deep flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Loaf

After the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf form and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, preparing it for the final rise.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the dough-filled pan and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough peeks slightly above the pan’s edge. This second proofing guarantees a tender, fluffy loaf.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Start warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough completes its second rise. A preheated oven ensures your loaf bakes evenly and beautifully browned.

Step 10: Bake the Bread

Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) means your bread is perfectly baked through.

Step 11: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and keeps the crust crisp.

How to Serve Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread loves simple, natural toppings. Try a spread of creamy butter or nut butter on a warm slice or add a sprinkle of seeds for extra crunch. Fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey make it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve this bread alongside hearty soups, fresh salads, or scrambled eggs for a nourishing meal. Its subtle sweetness and nutty texture complement savory sides and enhance comfort-food classics beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Toast slices and top with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a trendy breakfast, or use it as the base for open-faced sandwiches with smoked salmon or roasted veggies. The sturdy yet soft loaf holds up well to creative toppings and spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

Slice the bread before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. Wrap slices or the whole loaf securely in freezer-safe bags. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to 3 months and can be toasted straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, toast the slices or reheat the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness and rounds out the bread’s flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour in the Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a more nutritious loaf or even try spelt or bread flour for different textures. Just keep an eye on the dough’s hydration and adjust water or flour as needed.

Is this bread vegan?

This recipe is vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and opt for coconut oil or olive oil. It’s a wonderful plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or dried fruits such as cranberries can add delightful bursts of flavor and texture, making your Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe even more exciting.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Good question! The bread is done when it’s golden on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a thermometer – it should read around 190°F (88°C) inside.

Why use chia seeds in bread?

Chia seeds absorb water to create a gel that helps retain moisture, giving the bread a tender, moist crumb. Plus, they add fiber, omega-3s, and a lovely nutty flavor, boosting the nutritional value deliciously.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Oatmeal and Chia Seed Bread Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. The simple ingredients yield a loaf that’s both wholesome and comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring yourself. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and rewarding home-baked bread can be. Happy baking!

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