Honey Oat Artisan Bread: Rustic, Hearty, and Easy

Honey Oat Artisan Bread: Naturally Sweetened & Hearty
Honey Oat Artisan Bread is so much more than just another recipe in our kitchen; it’s a cherished memory, a comforting embrace on a chilly afternoon, and a beautiful testament to the simple magic that happens when basic ingredients transform. I can still vividly recall the first time I pulled this exact Honey Oat Artisan Bread out of the oven, the sweet, earthy aroma of honey and oats wafting through every corner of the house. That golden, crusty loaf, steaming gently on our wooden cutting board, truly felt like a scene plucked right out of a painting.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!There’s something incredibly grounding about connecting with the age-old tradition of bread-making, finding profound joy in the process, and knowing you’re about to share a slice of warmth with those you love. While this particular recipe captures a timeless appeal, the world of artisan bread is vast and wonderful – if you’re exploring other options or dietary needs, you might even love our gluten-free artisan bread recipe. This specific Honey Oat Artisan Bread, with its naturally sweetened profile and hearty texture, is surprisingly straightforward to make and promises a truly satisfying bake for any occasion.
Honey Oat Artisan Bread: Rustic, Hearty, and Easy
Course: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalOur Honey Oat Artisan Bread is a wholesome, naturally sweetened loaf featuring a perfectly crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior studded with oats. Simple ingredients, incredible flavor.
Ingredients
3 cups warm water (105-115°F)
1.5 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup rolled oats, plus more for topping
6.5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Directions
- In a large ceramic bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt, honey, and 1/2 cup rolled oats until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, wet dough forms. Do not knead. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
- Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured wooden cutting board. Divide into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf, gently folding the edges under to create tension on the surface. Sprinkle with extra rolled oats.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.
- Carefully place one loaf into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top with a sharp knife if desired. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Transfer the baked loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Repeat with the second loaf.
Notes
- The Oven Trick: For that incredible crust, preheating your Dutch oven (or a heavy baking pot with a lid) is key! It creates steam, mimicking a professional bakery oven, which results in a perfectly golden, crackly crust.
- Flavorful Flour Options: While all-purpose works beautifully, feel free to experiment! A mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour will give you an even heartier, nuttier Honey Oat Artisan Bread. Just adjust water slightly if dough feels too stiff.
- Storage Secrets: Once completely cooled, store your artisan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for easy access to fresh bread anytime!
