Oatmeal and Chia Bread

If you’re looking for a bread that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with goodness, then Oatmeal and Chia Bread is about to become your new favorite bake! Imagine the comfort of warm, fresh bread, with a boost of fiber and nutrition from the oats and chia seeds. It’s soft, slightly nutty, and just the right balance of chewy and moist. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, with a light lunch, or as a snack, this bread is not only satisfying but a healthy choice too. Trust me, once you smell it baking, you won’t be able to resist!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal and Chia Bread

• Wholesome Goodness: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds, this bread is not only delicious but a healthier option compared to traditional white bread.
• Perfect Texture: It’s got just the right balance of chewiness from the oats, and the chia seeds add a lovely crunch in every bite. It’s soft on the inside with a slightly crispy crust on the outside.
• Easy to Make: This bread comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complicated steps. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a loaf that’s ready to enjoy.
• Versatile: This bread is perfect for all occasions. Toast it for breakfast, make a sandwich for lunch, or just enjoy it with a smear of butter or jam. It works in every situation!

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this healthy and hearty oatmeal bread:

• Rolled Oats: The base of this bread, giving it that lovely texture and slight nuttiness.
• Chia Seeds: A nutritional powerhouse, these tiny seeds help bind the dough and add a nice crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the main flour for the bread. You can also experiment by substituting part of it with whole wheat flour for a denser loaf.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.
• Sugar: A little bit of sugar to help activate the yeast and balance the flavor.
• Milk: You’ll need some milk for moisture. You can use dairy or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Water: To help the oats and chia seeds absorb moisture and create a nice dough.
• Butter or Olive Oil: A touch of fat for richness and flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast: The yeast helps the bread rise and creates that lovely, fluffy texture.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right in! This is an easy-to-follow recipe that’ll have your kitchen smelling wonderful in no time.

1. Prepare the Oats and Chia:

Start by mixing the rolled oats and chia seeds in a small bowl. Pour in the warm water and milk, stir to combine, and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This allows the oats and chia to soften and absorb the liquid.

2. Activate the Yeast:

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step proves that the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Once the yeast is foamy, add it to the oat-chia mixture. Then, add the butter (or olive oil) and mix everything together. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until you get a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

5. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough. It should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

6. Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Shape and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes. Once the dough has risen again, pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Enjoy:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Oatmeal and Chia Bread

• With Jam or Nut Butter: This bread pairs wonderfully with a spread of strawberry jam or your favorite nut butter. It’s the perfect way to start your day!
• For Sandwiches: The soft, hearty texture makes it ideal for sandwiches. Pile on some turkey, cheese, and veggies for a wholesome meal.
• Toast It: Slice it and toast it lightly for a crunchy, warm treat. Top it with honey or a drizzle of maple syrup for a little sweetness.
• With Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of soup for the ultimate cozy meal. The bread will soak up all the delicious flavors!

Additional Tips

• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free loaf.
• Boost the Flavor: Add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the bread a warming flavor that’s perfect for cooler weather.
• Freeze for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it up, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just toast a slice whenever you’re craving some fresh bread.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A1: Steel-cut oats have a different texture and take longer to cook. I recommend sticking with rolled oats for this recipe to ensure the right consistency.

Q2: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the structure.

Q3: Can I skip the chia seeds?
A3: While the chia seeds add a nice crunch and nutritional boost, you can skip them if you prefer. You could substitute them with flaxseeds if you have those on hand.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
A5: Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Simply follow the machine’s instructions for adding ingredients and use the dough setting to prepare the bread.

Q6: Can I add other seeds or nuts to the bread?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts like walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes! If you want to make two loaves, simply double the ingredients and bake them in two separate pans.

Q8: Can I use honey instead of sugar?
A8: Yes, honey is a great alternative. Use about half the amount of honey as the sugar called for in the recipe.

Q9: How do I make sure the bread rises properly?
A9: Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated by letting it foam in warm water with sugar. Also, ensure that the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free spot to rise.

Q10: Can I add dried fruit to the bread?
A10: Yes! Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots would be a delicious addition to this bread. Just fold them in after the dough has been mixed.

Conclusion

Oatmeal and Chia Bread is the perfect combination of health and comfort in a loaf. With its hearty oats, nutrient-packed chia seeds, and soft, chewy texture, this bread is a great addition to any meal. It’s easy to make, delicious, and full of wholesome ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love having a fresh, healthy loaf of bread to enjoy whenever you need a little something special!

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