A delightful homemade bread recipe featuring oats and honey for a wholesome and slightly sweet flavor.
Combine the oats, honey, salt, and butter in a large mixing bowl.
Using warm water helps the butter melt and combines the ingredients smoothly.
Pour the warm water over the mixture and stir until combined. Let it sit until lukewarm.
Ensure the mixture is not too hot before adding yeast to avoid deactivating it.
Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir in the flour gradually until a dough forms.
Add the flour in increments to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
The dough should double in size; this indicates proper fermentation.
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place on a greased baking sheet.
Shaping the dough evenly ensures uniform baking.
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 45 minutes.
The second rise enhances the bread's texture and volume.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the loaf with milk and sprinkle with oats.
Brushing with milk gives the crust a golden color and helps the oats stick.
Bake the loaf for 35 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Cooling the bread prevents it from becoming gummy when sliced.
