Discover the comforting allure of homemade bread with this delightful Oatmeal Skillet Bread recipe. This treasured gem, sourced from my collection of mysterious magazine clippings and personal notes, brings a rustic touch to your kitchen and adds a hearty, wholesome element to your meals. Perfect for accompanying a steaming bowl of soup, this bread subtly incorporates oats, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – A staple for the base of your bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – For that essential rise and light texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors of the bread.
- 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats – Adds a delightful chewiness and extra fiber.
- 1/4 cup butter – For richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon margarine – To complement the butter and ensure a moist loaf.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent and adds structure.
- 1 cup buttermilk – For a tangy flavor and to create a tender texture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – To add a touch of sweetness and depth.
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures a perfectly baked crust with a golden finish.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 3 tablespoons of the quick-cooking oats. This mixture forms the dry base of your bread.
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Cut in the Fat: Add the butter and margarine to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures a tender texture in your bread.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the buttermilk and brown sugar. This mixture will provide moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with a fork until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; this could result in a dense loaf.
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Spread the Dough: Transfer the dough into a greased 9-inch cast iron skillet. Gently spread the dough to even out the surface.
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Top with Oats: Sprinkle the remaining quick-cooking oats over the top of the dough. This adds a lovely texture and additional flavor to the crust.
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Bake the Bread: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Serve Warm: Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm from the oven as a hearty side to your favorite soups or stews.
This Oatmeal Skillet Bread, with its rich, buttery flavor and wholesome oat goodness, will surely become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether served alongside a comforting bowl of soup or enjoyed on its own, it brings a touch of warmth and homey satisfaction to every meal. 🌾🍞🍲