Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a homemade loaf that’s hearty, wholesome, and bursting with the rich flavors of oats and seeds, this Oatmeal and Chia Bread is simply unbeatable. Every bite is wonderfully moist, tinged with subtle sweetness and studded with chewy goodness from the oats and chia. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something comforting but also nourishing—a bread that works equally well for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a wholesome side to your favorite soup. The combination of oats and chia seeds not only gives this bread delightful texture but also packs it with nutrients and fiber, making it a delicious choice you’ll feel good about baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Oatmeal and Chia Bread lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one serves a unique purpose—whether it’s adding structure, tenderness, or a dose of nutrition—so don’t skip a thing. Here’s everything you’ll need, with a few tips to help you get the most out of every bite!
- Rolled oats: These bring hearty texture and a lovely, nutty flavor to the bread—plus, they keep the loaf extra moist.
- All-purpose flour: This helps create a light crumb, giving the bread structure without making it too dense.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a wholesome, earthy flavor and boosts the fiber content.
- Chia seeds: Tiny but mighty! They add crunch, a nutritional kick, and help retain moisture.
- Baking powder: Essential for rising and a pleasantly airy loaf.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give just the right lift.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all the other flavors—never underestimate it!
- Buttermilk: Makes everything tender and moist; you can use plant-based milk plus a splash of vinegar for dairy-free.
- Honey or maple syrup: Choose your favorite natural sweetener for gentle sweetness and extra depth.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the bread a richer texture.
How to Make Oatmeal and Chia Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Getting this out of the way means your Oatmeal and Chia Bread will go straight from bowl to oven with zero fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a thorough stir so each spoonful of bread bakes up evenly—this simple step sets the foundation for both texture and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey (or maple syrup), and egg. Make sure your wet ingredients are well blended for maximum tenderness in the finished loaf.
Step 4: Combine and Mix
Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir carefully, just until combined. The batter will look thick—don’t be tempted to overmix! You want everything incorporated, but keeping a light touch ensures your Oatmeal and Chia Bread stays tender.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle extra oats or chia seeds on top for a pretty (and crunchy) finish. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting might be the hardest part, but it’s worth it—the bread slices more cleanly and the flavors come together beautifully once cool.
How to Serve Oatmeal and Chia Bread
Garnishes
A slice of Oatmeal and Chia Bread is truly delightful on its own, but a little garnish goes a long way. Try a pat of creamy butter, a swipe of almond or peanut butter, or a drizzle of honey for breakfast. For a heartier touch, a scoop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries make an irresistible topping.
Side Dishes
Serve this bread with soups, stews, or a simple green salad for a nourishing meal. It pairs especially well with roasted vegetable soups or a hearty chili. If you’re planning brunch, offer slices alongside scrambled eggs, avocado, or smoked salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, toast slices of your Oatmeal and Chia Bread and use them as the base for open-faced sandwiches—turkey and cranberry, ricotta and berries, or even tomato and pesto are all delicious options! Or, cube the bread and bake into crunchy croutons for a standout salad topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Oatmeal and Chia Bread stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh and moist for a day or two longer.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Let the loaf cool completely, then slice it and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Tuck the wrapped slices into a freezer bag, and you’ll have grab-and-go bread ready for busy mornings or hunger pangs—just defrost what you need.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the toaster for that warm, just-baked texture, or pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes if you’re reheating several at once. Top them right after toasting, so your spreads melt perfectly into the bread’s nooks and crannies.
FAQs
Can I make Oatmeal and Chia Bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour for both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll get the same hearty texture and flavor!
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, mix any milk (dairy or plant-based) with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. This quick hack gives you the tang and tenderness that buttermilk brings to the bread.
How can I boost the nutrition even further?
Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit to the batter. Pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or chopped dates make delicious additions and add even more texture and nutrients to your Oatmeal and Chia Bread.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the buttermilk for plant milk plus vinegar, the honey for maple syrup, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit) instead of the egg. It’s just as tasty and wholesome!
Does Oatmeal and Chia Bread make good toast?
It’s fantastic toasted! Slicing and toasting brings out the bread’s nutty oats and compliments its slightly sweet flavor. Top with butter, nut butter, or your favorite jam for a breakfast (or snack) you’ll adore.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you bake your first loaf of Oatmeal and Chia Bread, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of wholesome, feel-good bread you’ll want to share (and show off!) with loved ones. Give it a try and see just how delicious homemade simplicity can be.
Print
Oatmeal and Chia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal and Chia Bread is a wholesome and hearty loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with oats, chia seeds, and whole wheat flour, it’s a nutritious and delicious treat that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, flours, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk buttermilk, honey (or maple syrup), and egg together.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra texture, sprinkle additional oats or chia seeds on top before baking.
- This bread is delicious toasted with nut butter or jam.
- To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
