Four Grain Bread is a wholesome and nutritious bread made with a combination of four different grains: oats, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour. This bread has a rich and hearty texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying on its own. The combination of grains adds a unique flavor profile and a delightful crunch to each bite. With a straightforward baking process, you can easily make this delicious Four Grain Bread at home.

Bread has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history, and its origins can be traced back thousands of years. The art of bread-making has evolved over time, incorporating various ingredients and techniques to create a wide array of bread types.

Four Grain Bread specifically showcases the use of different grains, each contributing its own characteristics to the final product. Oats, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour come together to create a bread that is both nutritious and delicious.

The addition of oats brings a subtle nutty flavor and a chewy texture to the bread. Oats are also known for their high fiber content, making this bread a healthy choice. Cornmeal adds a pleasant crunch and a slightly sweet taste. Whole wheat flour adds depth and a hearty flavor, while all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for the bread.

By combining these four grains, Four Grain Bread offers a balanced combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. It is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in various ways and is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger.

PREP: 25 MIN. + RISING

BAKE: 40 MIN. + COOLING

MAKES: 2 LOAVES (16 SLICES EACH)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 packages (¼ ounce each) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• Additional butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, pour boiling water over oats. Add softened butter. Let stand until the mixture cools to 110°-115°, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the yeast mixture to the oat and butter mixture. Add cornmeal, whole wheat flour, honey, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Beat the mixture until smooth. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, approximately 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Punch the dough down. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover the pans and let the dough rise until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake the loaves for 40-45 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove the loaves from the pans and place them on wire racks. Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Four Grain Bread!