Whole Wheat Oatmeal Buttermilk Bread

• buttermilk↗1 cup
• salt↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• sugar↗3 tablespoons
• butter↗3 tablespoons
• whole wheat bread flour↗2 cups
• white flour (all purpose for Canada and white bread flour if you are in the US)↗2 cups
• rolled oats↗3 tablespoons
• warm water3⁄4 cup
• sugar↗1 teaspoon
• dry yeast↗1 tablespoon
• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Fit a kneader blade on a heavy-duty stand mixer.

2. 2

   Proof 1 tablespoon yeast in 3/4 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar for 8-10 minutes or until foamy.

3. 3

   In the stainless steel mixing bowl add in 2 cups EACH white and whole wheat bread flour and the rolled oats; mix slightly to combine with a spoon.

4. 4

   In the microwave warm the buttermilk, butter, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons salt for about 40 seconds until warm (the butter does not have to melt completely) then pour into the stainless steel mixing bowl with the flour.

5. 5

   After the yeast is proofed, add into the bowl along with the 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and start mixing/kneading adding in more WHITE flour as needed to create a soft semi-sticky dough (because of the oatmeal and whole wheat flour the dough will be more sticky than usual).

6. 6

   Knead for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove the dough to a lightly-floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Gather up the dough and knead gently for about 15 seconds with your hands (it will come together nicely).

9. 9

   Generously grease a large bowl with oil.

10. 10

    Place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let rise for about 1 hour and 15 minutes (it might take more or less time depending on the temperature of your kitchen, or place in a warmed oven to rise).

11. 11

    Remove and punch down dough.

12. 12

    Place on a floured surface and roll out to about 14x8 inches (does not have to be exact size!).

13. 13

    Roll up tightly and tuck the sides under to fit the 8x4-inch loaf pan (I just slice off the ends of the dough enough to fit into the pan and pinch the dough together, it makes for a more even loaf).

14. 14

    Cover and let rise for about 30-45 minutes (depending on how warm your kitchen is) in a warm place covered with a clean tea towel.

15. 15

    Bake for about 30 minutes in a 375°F oven.