Name: Oat and Chia Bread: Wholesome, Hearty, and Naturally Nutritious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Wholegrain / Healthy
Ingredients: Dry Ingredients:; 2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour; 1 cup (100g) rolled oats (plus extra for topping); 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; Wet Ingredients:; 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C); 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil); Optional Add-Ins:; 2 tablespoons flaxseeds or sunflower seeds (for extra crunch); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)

Few things feel as satisfying as baking your own bread—especially when it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Oat and Chia Bread offers that perfect balance between health and comfort. It’s dense yet soft, hearty yet moist, and loaded with natural goodness from whole oats and chia seeds. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast option, a sandwich base, or an energy-boosting snack, this bread delivers flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

What makes this bread special is its simplicity. You don’t need a stand mixer or complicated ingredients. The combination of oats, chia seeds, and flour gives it a chewy texture and earthy taste, while honey and olive oil provide subtle sweetness and moisture. Packed with fiber, omega-3s, and protein, this recipe proves that healthy baking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

To make one standard 9×5-inch loaf of Oat and Chia Bread, gather the following:

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour
1 cup (100g) rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

1¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)

Optional Add-Ins

2 tablespoons flaxseeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for topping

These ingredients come together to create a bread that’s rich in fiber, naturally nutty, and lightly sweet—perfect for both savory and sweet pairings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and yeast. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This confirms the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, rolled oats, chia seeds, and salt. Mix with a whisk or wooden spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The chia seeds will later absorb moisture, helping the bread hold structure without being dense.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be sticky and somewhat rough—that’s normal for oat-based breads.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 6–8 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if necessary. You’re aiming for a smooth, slightly tacky texture. Avoid over-kneading; oats and chia don’t behave like wheat gluten, so a firm, elastic dough isn’t required.

(Tip: If you prefer, you can knead the dough directly in the bowl using a dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes.)

Step 5: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size. The chia seeds will continue to absorb moisture during this stage, improving the bread’s texture.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Lightly brush the top with olive oil or water, then sprinkle with rolled oats or sesame seeds for a rustic finish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the loaf loosely and let it rest for 30–40 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan. Avoid overproofing—it can cause the bread to deflate during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough proofs. Once ready, bake the bread for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 200°F (93°C) when done.

Step 9: Cool

Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step prevents the crumb from becoming gummy and ensures a perfect slice every time.

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage keeps your Oat and Chia Bread fresh and flavorful:

At Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in a clean towel or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days, but reheat slices before eating to restore softness.
In the Freezer: Slice the loaf before freezing. Wrap each slice or group of slices in parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Toast or reheat directly from frozen.

Avoid storing the bread uncovered—it can dry out quickly due to its high-fiber content.

Variations

This bread recipe is flexible and easy to customize:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.
Nutty Oat Bread: Mix in ¼ cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch and added protein.
Sweet Breakfast Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and ¼ cup raisins for a subtly sweet morning bread.
Seeded Power Bread: Include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds for a high-protein, nutrient-dense version.
Savory Option: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary or thyme and a sprinkle of coarse salt on top before baking.
No-Yeast Version: Replace the yeast with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and reduce rise time—great for quick baking.

These variations make the bread adaptable to different diets and occasions, from breakfast toast to lunch sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Oat and Chia Bread pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings:

For Breakfast: Toast a slice and top with almond butter, banana, and honey, or enjoy it with Greek yogurt and berries.
For Lunch: Use it as a base for avocado toast or make hearty sandwiches with hummus, vegetables, or turkey.
For Dinner: Serve warm alongside soups, stews, or salads for a wholesome side.
As a Snack: Spread with cream cheese or nut butter for an energy-packed mid-day boost.
As a Dessert: Drizzle toasted slices with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a healthy indulgence.

Because of its mild flavor, this bread complements almost anything—it’s as versatile as it is nutritious.

Tips for Perfecting the Bread

Use fresh yeast: Expired yeast won’t rise properly.
Measure precisely: Oats absorb more liquid than flour, so accurate ratios matter.
Warm environment for proofing: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to rise.
Hydrate chia seeds well: Give them time to absorb moisture; they add structure and moisture to the bread.
Cool completely before slicing: Cutting too soon can make the bread gummy inside.
Don’t skip the oil: It keeps the bread soft and extends shelf life.

Following these steps guarantees a perfect loaf—soft, chewy, and wholesome every time.

Conclusion

Oat and Chia Bread is more than just a healthy alternative—it’s a celebration of natural ingredients that nourish the body while satisfying the senses. Each slice offers earthy sweetness, hearty texture, and long-lasting energy. With its simple preparation, customizable variations, and long shelf life, this bread fits easily into any lifestyle.

Whether enjoyed warm with butter, as a base for sandwiches, or toasted with a drizzle of honey, it delivers comfort and nutrition in equal measure. Once you bake this loaf, you’ll realize that wholesome homemade bread can be both easy and irresistibly delicious.

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Oat and Chia Bread: Wholesome, Hearty, and Naturally Nutritious

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Oat and Chia Bread combines the wholesome goodness of oats and chia seeds to create a loaf that’s both hearty and nutritious. It’s dense yet moist, with a subtle natural sweetness and nutty flavor. This high-fiber bread is ideal for breakfast, sandwiches, or snacks—offering long-lasting energy and a soft, chewy texture that makes healthy eating genuinely satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour

1 cup (100g) rolled oats (plus extra for topping)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons instant yeast

Wet Ingredients:

1¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)

Optional Add-Ins:

2 tablespoons flaxseeds or sunflower seeds (for extra crunch)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Mix warm water, honey (or maple syrup), and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, chia seeds, and salt. Mix evenly with a whisk or spoon.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to form. It will be sticky—this is normal for oat-based doughs.

Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth but still slightly tacky.
(You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5 minutes.)

Step 5: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough gently, shape it into a log, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Brush the top with olive oil or water and sprinkle oats or sesame seeds for texture.

Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let it rise for 30–40 minutes, until slightly above the pan’s edge.

Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
(Internal temperature should reach about 200°F / 93°C.)

Step 9: Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.