Description
Honey Oat Skillet Bread is a moist and hearty loaf made with oats and sweetened naturally with honey. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet to create a rustic, soft bread with a slightly sweet flavor and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105–115°F)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add 1 ½ cups of the flour, oats, neutral oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Knead Dough: Start kneading on low speed. Gradually add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until a soft, smooth dough forms that clears the sides of the bowl. Continue kneading for an additional 5 minutes to develop gluten.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in the bowl for 30 minutes, allowing it to become puffy and airy.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the dough and form it into a tight ball. Place the dough ball into a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
- Second Rise: Cover the skillet and let the dough rest and rise again for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Oven and Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the lower middle position. Just before baking, make two horizontal slits and one lengthwise slit on top of the dough to allow steam to escape and give the bread a decorative crust.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake the bread for 15-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread near the end of baking as it browns quickly. The bread should develop a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Use warm water between 105–115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as necessary since moisture levels can vary; dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Allowing the bread to rise twice ensures a light and airy texture.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a crispy crust.
- Slits on top help control expansion and improve the bread’s appearance.
- Check the bread a few minutes before the estimated baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
