Oatmeal Mini Loaves

Here’s a nice recipe for gift loaves of bread that also can be baked in two regular loaves.  With oats, whole wheat flour and wheat germ, it’s nutritious as well as delicious.  Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour if you have it – it helps improve gluten-development with as much whole grains that are in this recipe.  It has a nice, firm, even texture and the brown sugar gives it a nice flavor.

 I have changed the directions to use instant yeast - if you use regular instead of fast-rising yeast, the rising times about double.   Check out our mixer bread information HERE.  Remember, you can also make this recipe by hand too, the way I did for years. If you really want your oats clinging to the tops of your loaves, use a beaten egg white and sprinkle on the oats before baking.  I have made this recipe with quick (not instant) oats and they worked just fine too.

 Oatmeal Mini Loaves

  1 ½        cups  Oats -- old fashioned (4 ½  ounces)

     ¾        cup  Whole Wheat Flour – (3 ounces)

     ½        cup  Brown Sugar -- packed (4 ounces)

     ¼        cup  Toasted Wheat Germ

  3            teaspoons  Salt

  1            package  Instant Yeast

  2 ½       cups  Water -- 120°-125°

  2           tablespoons  Butter

  5 ½  -6  Cups  Flour, All-purpose -- (I used 1# 9 ounces)

In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, wheat germ, salt and yeast.  Heat water and butter to 120-125°.  Add to dry ingredients, just until moistened.  Add 3 cups flour; beat until smooth, 2 minutes.  Add enough remaining flour to pull away from the sides of the bowl.  Change to a dough hook and knead 6 minutes, or knead by hand 8 minutes.

Let rest in a covered bowl in a warm place 10 minutes.

Deflate dough.  Divide into 5 portions (about 12 ounces each).  Shape each into a loaf.  Place in greased 5 x 3 x 2" loaf pans.  Cover and let rise until doubled, 20-30 minutes (in a warm place) while preheating oven to 350°. 

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.  Remove from pans to wire racks.  Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with additional oats if desired.  Cool completely before slicing.

If desired, make two 9 x 5 x 3" loaves; bake for 35-40 minutes.

5 mini loaves

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