A delightful homemade bread recipe featuring oats and a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit until frothy.
Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Combine the milk and cold water in a saucepan and heat until warm.
Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Pour the warm liquid over the butter, honey, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir until the butter melts.
Ensure the mixture is not too hot before adding the yeast.
Add 2 cups of flour, the yeast mixture, and oats to the bowl. Mix until combined.
Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Knead for about 8-10 minutes to develop gluten.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising.
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Ensure the loaf is evenly shaped for uniform baking.
Cover the loaf and let it rise again until nearly doubled in size.
This step ensures a light and airy texture.
Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Cooling allows the bread to set and makes slicing easier.
