If you have been on the lookout for a wholesome and delicious homemade bread that combines hearty texture with nutritional goodness, you have to try this Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe. It blends the comforting earthiness of oats with the subtle crunch and omega-rich benefits of chia seeds, creating a loaf that’s moist, satisfying, and packed with fiber. Every bite offers a perfect balance of nutty flavor and soft crumb that makes it ideal for breakfast or any time of day when you crave something nourishing and utterly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a bread that is flavorful, nutritious, and has a beautiful texture. Each element plays its part, from the nutty oats to the hearty whole wheat flour, resulting in a loaf that’s both wholesome and incredibly tasty.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): These add a chewy texture and natural sweetness while boosting fiber content.
- Whole wheat flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides a rich, nutty base that makes the bread heartier and more filling.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Lightens the bread, ensuring a soft crumb without losing structure.
- Chia seeds (2 tablespoons): Tiny nutritional powerhouses that add crunch and help bind moisture.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the bread.
- Buttermilk (2 cups) or milk + lemon juice: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb, making it moist.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Offers natural sweetness and balances the nutty flavors.
- Large egg, lightly beaten: Provides structure and richness for a satisfying loaf.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Contributes to moistness and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
How to Make Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, and if you like, line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily after baking. This simple preparation step ensures a smooth baking experience and a perfect loaf shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, chia seeds, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the hearty base of your bread, delivering texture and warmth in each slice.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice), honey or maple syrup, lightly beaten egg, and olive oil. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and richness while activating the tapioca-like absorption power of the chia seeds later in the process.
Step 4: Combine and Rest
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the chia seeds to swell and absorb the liquid, helping to bind the batter and infuse moisture throughout the loaf.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. For an extra touch, sprinkle some oats or chia seeds on top to create a rustic, inviting finish. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time gives the bread a golden crust while maintaining a tender crumb inside.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid a crumbly texture and to enjoy the full flavor and structure of your Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe loaf.
How to Serve Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light spread of nut butter or a drizzle of honey perfectly complements the nutty flavors in the oatmeal and chia bread, enhancing its natural sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh seeds or a smear of cream cheese can also add texture and richness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve slices alongside a fresh salad for a wholesome lunch, or enjoy it with a bowl of warm soup, especially creamy tomato or butternut squash, so the bread can soak up all those comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting this bread and topping it with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a vibrant breakfast or snack. You can also use it to make open-faced sandwiches with smoked salmon and dill, or create a rustic bread pudding for a unique dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should stay moist and delicious for up to three days at room temperature.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully, making it easy to enjoy later. Slice the loaf first, then wrap slices individually or in small stacks with plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, thaw frozen slices at room temperature then lightly toast them to revive that freshly baked aroma and crunch. You can also warm slices briefly in a microwave or oven if you prefer a softer bite.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat and all-purpose flours with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but your bread will still be delicious and nutritious.
Is this bread suitable for vegans?
To make this bread vegan-friendly, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk. The result will remain moist and flavorful.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, for extra flavor and texture. Add about 1/2 cup towards the end of mixing the batter.
How dense is the bread? Is it light or heavy?
This Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe strikes a wonderful balance — it’s heartier than white bread due to the whole grains and chia seeds but remains soft enough to slice easily without crumbling.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly to tenderize the bread and add slight tang.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of those loaves that comfort and nourish you in every slice. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and tastes like a little slice of homemade love. Whether you’re new to baking bread or an experienced pro, this is a recipe that promises satisfying results every time.
Print
Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This wholesome Oatmeal and Chia Bread combines the hearty texture of rolled oats and whole wheat flour with the nutritional boost of chia seeds. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and moistened with buttermilk, this bread is soft yet packed with fiber and protein. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden loaf that can be enjoyed on its own or toasted with your favorite spreads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and optionally line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, chia seeds, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, honey or maple syrup, beaten egg, and olive oil until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes to let the chia seeds absorb moisture and thicken the mixture slightly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle additional oats or chia seeds on top for texture and visual appeal.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
- This bread tastes excellent when toasted and spread with nut butter or jam for a nutritious snack or breakfast.
