Cereal Bread Recipe
This cereal bread is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Packed with fiber and a medley of grains, it’s a great addition to a healthy diet.
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
-
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 cup (100g) mixed cereals (oats, millet, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) warm milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
For the Topping (Optional):
- 2 tbsp mixed cereals
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cereals, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf or rounds and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with mixed cereals for decoration, if desired.
4. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until it puffs up.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Use your favorite mix of cereals to customize the flavor and texture. Common options include rolled oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, or quinoa.
- For extra softness, use whole milk instead of water.
- To store, keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
This cereal bread is hearty, nutritious, and versatile—perfect for sandwiches or toasting with a slather of butter and jam. 🥖✨