Name: No Knead Seeded Oat Bread
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 18 h
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup mixed seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, etc.); 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of hearty, rustic bread with a delightful crunch, this No Knead Seeded Oat Bread is a must-try. The combination of oats and mixed seeds adds a rich, nutty flavor and texture, making this bread the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a smear of butter. Best of all, the no-knead method requires minimal effort, making it an accessible recipe for even beginner bakers.

The long resting time allows the dough to develop incredible flavor, while baking it in a preheated Dutch oven creates a beautifully crisp crust. Whether you’re serving it alongside a family meal or using it for your favorite sandwich, this bread will quickly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort

This bread is incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you can mix up the dough, let it rest, and bake without needing to knead the dough.

2. Rustic and Hearty

The combination of oats and mixed seeds creates a rich, hearty texture that is satisfying and filling, making this bread perfect for any meal.

3. Crispy Crust

Baking in a Dutch oven creates a beautifully crispy and golden-brown crust, giving you bakery-quality bread without the hassle.

4. Versatile Toppings

The nutty flavor of this bread pairs well with a variety of spreads and toppings, from butter and jam to avocado or cheese.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This bread can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. It’s ideal for making sandwiches or serving with soups.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Rolled oats
Mixed seeds (such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax)
Active dry yeast
Salt
Warm water

Variations

Add Herbs: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome, fiber-packed bread.
Dried Fruit: Add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the dough for a sweet twist on this savory bread.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, mixed seeds, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly, depending on the consistency of the dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This long resting period is what allows the dough to develop a deep flavor and structure.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven while it preheats. This will ensure the Dutch oven is hot enough to create that crispy, bakery-like crust.

Step 4: Shape the Dough and Bake

Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Gently shape your dough into a ball and place it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is baked, carefully remove it from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain the bread’s texture and prevents it from becoming too crumbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Resting Time: Be sure to allow the dough to rest for the full 12-18 hours. This is key to developing flavor and achieving a light, airy texture in the bread.
Dutch Oven Care: Always preheat your Dutch oven to ensure a crispy crust. Be careful when handling the hot pot, and use oven mitts.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Since this is a no-knead recipe, there’s no need to knead or overwork the dough. Simply mix it together and let time do the work.
Storage: This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

How to Serve

With Soup or Stews: This hearty bread is perfect for dipping into soups and stews. The crispy crust and chewy interior will complement any bowl of comfort food.
As Sandwiches: Slice the bread and use it for sandwiches, whether you’re making a classic turkey sandwich, avocado toast, or something more creative.
With Butter or Jam: Spread with butter or your favorite jam for a simple and delicious snack or breakfast option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the bread in an airtight container or a bread box for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, you can store it in a paper bag inside a plastic bag.

Freezing

Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily thaw individual pieces as needed. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat the bread, simply place slices in a toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast can be used in place of instant yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.

2. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, if you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crispy. Try covering the bread with a metal bowl during the first 30 minutes of baking to help trap moisture and mimic the Dutch oven effect.

3. Can I add other seeds to the dough?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other seeds like chia seeds, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for different textures and flavors.

4. Is it necessary to let the dough rest for 12-18 hours?

Yes, this resting time is essential for developing flavor and achieving the right texture in the bread. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can let the dough rest for a minimum of 8 hours.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, more rustic bread.

6. How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. If it’s undercooked, the texture may be dense.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

8. What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a little more flour until you get the right consistency. It should be sticky, but manageable.

9. Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

10. Can I bake this bread in a regular oven without a Dutch oven?

While a Dutch oven creates a nice crispy crust, you can still bake the bread on a baking sheet. To get a crisp crust, try spraying the dough with water before baking.

Conclusion

This No Knead Seeded Oat Bread is a simple yet flavorful homemade bread that delivers on both taste and texture. The ease of preparation, combined with the hearty ingredients like oats and mixed seeds, makes it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with soups, making sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own, this bread is sure to impress. With a crispy crust, soft interior, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect way to elevate your baking game without much effort.