Oatmeal Pan Bread

Warm, crusty, and savory bread-perfect to go alongside almost any meal. This delicious bread is sure to become a favorite at your house. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Bread

1-1/2 cups boiling water

1 cup old-fashioned oats

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

 1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons butter, softened

2 teaspoons salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

4 to 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Topping 

 1/4 cup of butter, melted

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, combine boiling water and oats; cool to 110°-115°. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, oat mixture and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Punch dough down and press evenly into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. With very sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 1-1/2 in. apart completely through dough. Repeat in opposite direction, creating a diamond patter. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Redefine pattern by gently poking along cut lines with a knife tip. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and garlic powder. Brush bread with remaining butter; sprinkle with cheese mixture. Bake for 5 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 5 minutes longer. Serve warm. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Happy Munching!