Irish Oatmeal Artisan Bread
Bring a taste of Ireland into your home with this hearty Irish Oatmeal Artisan Bread. Perfectly baked with old-fashioned oats, this loaf boasts a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. The creamy, soft interior is complemented by a delightful chewy crust, making it an ideal companion for butter, jam, or a slice of your favorite cheese. A beloved recipe by my dear husband, this bread has become a staple in our home and is sure to impress anyone at your table. Bake a fresh loaf every other day to keep the spirit of traditional Irish baking alive!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
old fashioned oats
1 cup (uncooked)
milk
1 1/4 cups (warm)
egg
1 (beaten)
butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (softened)
honey
3 tablespoons (liquid)
bread flour
3 cups (all-purpose)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (fine)
active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (instant)
Instructions
1
Start by adding the old-fashioned oats and milk to your bread machine. Allow the oats to soak for about 15 minutes to soften.
2
Next, add the egg, softened butter, and honey to the mixture in the bread machine.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to mix.
4
Add the combined dry ingredients to the bread machine. Close the lid securely.
5
Select the basic white bread setting on your machine, and set it to the appropriate size for 16 servings.
6
Begin the baking process and let the machine work its magic. Once done, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Oatmeal Artisan Bread?
It is a hearty, artisan-style loaf made with old-fashioned oats, featuring a soft interior and a chewy crust.
What kind of oats should I use for this recipe?
You should use uncooked old-fashioned oats to achieve the best texture.
How long should I soak the oats?
The oats should be soaked in the milk for approximately 15 minutes before adding other ingredients.
Why do the oats need to be soaked?
Soaking softens the oats, which ensures the bread has a creamy and soft interior.
What bread machine setting is recommended?
The basic white bread setting is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use cold milk?
It is best to use warm milk to help the yeast activate properly during the bread machine cycle.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of bread flour, though it can be adapted with all-purpose flour if necessary.
Do I need to prepare the egg in a specific way?
Yes, the egg should be beaten before being added to the bread machine.
How much honey is used in this bread?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of liquid honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
Should the butter be melted?
The butter should be softened but not necessarily melted before being added.
What type of yeast is best for this bread?
You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast as specified in the ingredient list.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
One loaf typically provides about 16 servings.
What is the texture of the crust?
This bread is known for having a delightful and satisfyingly chewy crust.
How should I cool the bread after baking?
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Can I use fine salt?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of fine salt is the recommended measurement.
What can I serve with Irish Oatmeal Artisan Bread?
It is an ideal companion for butter, jam, or your favorite variety of cheese.
Is this bread easy to make?
Yes, the use of a bread machine makes this an easy baking project for any skill level.
What is the aroma of the bread like?
The bread produces a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Can I bake this bread frequently?
The recipe suggests baking a fresh loaf every other day to keep the spirit of traditional baking alive.
How do I order the ingredients in the machine?
Start with oats and milk, then add the wet ingredients, and finally the combined dry ingredients on top.
Is this considered a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Irish baking, focusing on hearty ingredients like oats.
What size loaf does this make?
The machine should be set to the size that corresponds with a 16-serving yield.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can attempt to substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives, though results may vary.
Is the interior of the bread dry?
No, the interior is creamy and soft, especially due to the oat-soaking process.
Should I mix the dry ingredients before adding them to the machine?
Yes, combine the bread flour, salt, and yeast in a separate bowl and stir gently first.
Can I use this bread for toast?
Absolutely, its hearty texture makes it excellent for toasting.
Is the honey necessary?
Honey provides flavor and helps the yeast, but it can be replaced with other liquid sweeteners.
What should I do if my bread machine has different settings?
Use the setting closest to 'Basic' or 'White Bread' for the best results.
Does the bread have a strong oat flavor?
It has a subtle, earthy oat flavor that is balanced by the honey and butter.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
While the base recipe doesn't call for them, you can add them during the 'add-in' signal of your bread machine.