Lately, especially since we are moving in a little over a week, I’ve been trying to make things that aren’t going to go to waste. It’s hard with two people to make the right portion amount, and it’s especially hard when you are packing things up and getting ready to move. We eat a lot of bread. I mean, A LOT of bread. I certainly don’t mind it. I could live off of bread if my body would allow for it. Today I decided to make some good sandwich bread: nothing over the top and out of control, but a good and hearty country white bread with a superb crust. This country white bread recipe with oats and honey is perfect for any time of day, and the subtle sweetness of the crust goes perfect with the savoriness of your favorite sandwich components.
I love white bread. Yes, I am one of those. No, I’m not talking about the store-bought, pre-packaged cheap bread that has absolutely nothing to it: the kind of bread that you can literally squash between two hands and it would disappear before you even knew it. No, not that kind…I’m talking about homemade, country bread: dense and gorgeous and so incredibly versatile! In concept, country white bread should be easy to make. Not a whole lot of ingredients goes into it; and besides the rising part, it shouldn’t take very long either. It takes a little bit of kneading, but it’s not out of control like some other breads tend to be. If you have a mixer with a dough blade then you’re golden. You really don’t have to do anything at all. If you have to actually knead it with your hands, then it can get a bit time consuming. Although, it will taste a lot better if you do it by hand. Trust me! =) Of course, like any other recipe, there are the factors to consider. Take Zach and I for instance, the altitude can cause some things to cook and bake differently than others. Also, there is that dreaded yeast component. Who knows if it’s dead or alive and if it will work exactly how you wish it to work. This can sometimes be the frustrating part of making bread, but in the end it is usually worth it. Then there is that whole cheap oven that I have to use. Don’t get me started on that one. We’ll be here all day.
What I love about this recipe, is that it is so simple yet so delicious. I don’t love oats inside of my bread. If it is a sweet, dessert bread than I can handle it. This is not a knock to anyone who does love it. Zach loves it, so I made a compromise when I decided to make it. Instead of packing the bread itself full of oats, I decided to just sprinkle them on top. You still get that “oat feel” without cramming the inside full of a texture you, or I, don’t necessarily love.
One thing that is great to do with this recipe, is to make quite a few loaves and then freeze them for later use. If you are anything like Zach and I, we go through a ton of bread. Instead of letting it go bad by leaving it at room temperature, it is totally ok to freeze it. Sure, it’s not going to be EXACTLY the same as when it’s fresh out of the oven, but it will certainly save you from buying the pre-packaged stuff or spending a ton on you neighborhood bakery’s loaves (which are still great, don’t get me wrong). This bread is perfect for breakfast with jam, lunch with meat and cheese, or just for use as a late night snack. It’s so cheap to make too!
For this beer pairing, I could think of no other way to go than with an ale brewed with honey. Kind of makes sense doesn’t it? I decided to go with Weyerbacher’s Dark Braggot Ale: Sixteen for a multitude of reasons. It is absolutely amazing. It is an anniversary beer, so it’s super special, and it’s brewed with a TON of honey! It is one of the most fantastic braggots I’ve ever had and deserves to be at the top of any braggot list. Of course we are past the brewery’s 16th anniversary. Actually, we just happen to be past their 17th anniversary, but there is a small chance that it could be lying around somewhere so keep those eyes open! If you can’t find this beer, keep your eyes open for other braggots in your area. They will do just fine.
Since a lot of snow is in the forecast for the end of this week, tonight we decided to make a big pot of sweet potato chili that I hope lasts us an entire week (which it probably will). It’s one of those days that I just can’t wait for dinner, so let the countdown begin!
Country White Bread with Oats and Honey
Servings:
1 loafNutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tsps instant yeast
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp rolled oats
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, yeast and salt by hand. In another bowl, combine the butter, milk, water and 1/3 cup of honey. Stir to combine. Dig a well into your flour mixture, and pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Attach the bowl to your stand mixer (or food processor if you are using this instead) and attach the dough hook. Knead with the dough hook on low for 20 minutes or until the dough has formed a smooth ball and is slightly tacky. If they dough is too sticky, keep adding flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes less sticky. If the dough is too dry, keep adding water a tablespoon at a time until it becomes more tacky. (If you are kneading by hand, this will take a bit longer. Flour your hands generously as you knead as it will be extremely sticky. Knead until the dough is, again, smooth and slightly tacky, about 20-25 minutes.)
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil by swirling the bowl around. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl and cover. Allow to rise for about an hour to an hour and a half (it took my dough about an hour and a half) or until it has doubled in size.
- Once your dough has just about doubled, dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten the dough to a 9x10 inch rectangle and roll into a loaf. Line a 9x5 inch bread pan with parchment paper and set the loaf inside. Cover with a tea towel and again let rise for about a half hour to an hour (it took my dough about an hour) until it has doubled in size. The dough should barely be peeking over the top of the bread pan.
- Meanwhile preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once your loaf has double in size, brush the top of the loaf with the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey then sprinkle with the oats. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
12 Responses
That crust definitely looks amazing! Beautiful loaf.
Thank you! =) The crust was equally delicious.
Justine, I made this bread! It’s awesome. Didn’t look as good as yours, but the flavor was out of control. My hubbie loved it also. Thanks for sharing – I think it’s my go-to sandwich loaf now. :)
I’m so happy that it came out good for you! … and I’m also glad your hubbie enjoyed it. Thanks for trying it out!
This bread looks so delicious! I will try this tomorrow for my guests :-)
Thanks Heidi! I hope you like it!
can I use all purpose flour instead?
Of course you can Tia! I normally use all-purpose when I don’t have bread flour lying around. Bread flour will cause the bread to become more dense. So in the end, you should have a “fluffier” and lighter loaf of bread when you use all-purpose. Good luck!
Thank you. Am making this right now :-)
The recipe no longer works! I had it saved for years and now it’s gone! Can you please repost it or send a copy to me by email? It’s my family’s favorite bread!
Thank you!
Hi, Elise. Thanks for the heads-up! We will get this fixed ASAP. – Justine