Soft Sandwich Oatmeal Bread Recipe For Bread Machine

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen! This soft sandwich oatmeal bread is made effortlessly in a bread machine, giving you a tender, chewy texture perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. Unlike many bread machine recipes that can turn out dry, this one stays wonderfully soft, making it a must-try for any home baker!

Most bread machine recipes produce tough, crumbly bread.  I’ve been searching for a way to make soft sandwich bread in a bread machine for quite some time, until I finally perfected this recipe.

Why You’ll Love Soft Sandwich Oatmeal Bread

• Super Soft & Perfect for Sandwiches – Unlike many bread machine recipes that turn out dense or crumbly, this bread has a light and soft texture that’s ideal for making sandwiches. Whether you prefer classic PB&J, deli meats, or egg salad, this bread holds up beautifully without falling apart.
• Easy to Make in a Bread Machine – Just add the ingredients, set your machine, and let it do all the work! No kneading or shaping is required, making this a foolproof recipe for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Delicious Homemade Flavor – Store-bought bread can’t compete with the fresh, slightly nutty flavor of this homemade oatmeal bread. The subtle sweetness and soft texture make it irresistible straight out of the machine.
• Healthier Than Store-Bought Bread – Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this bread has no preservatives, additives, or unnecessary fillers. You get a healthier alternative that tastes even better than store-bought loaves.
• Great for Meal Prep & Freezes Well – This bread stays soft for days and can be easily frozen for later use. Just slice it, wrap it well, and you’ll have fresh bread ready whenever you need it!

This is a rare recipe that makes soft bread with the texture that is perfect for sandwiches!

Once you try this amazing bread recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over and over!  Healthy homemade bread that is soft and delicious – that’s a true winner!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups milk – Adds moisture and richness to keep the bread soft and tender.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Helps create a light texture and prevents the bread from drying out.
• 1/2 cup rolled oats – Gives the bread a slight chewiness and a hint of nutty flavor.
• 3 cups flour – The base of the bread, providing structure and softness.
• 2 tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and help with yeast activation.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor and strengthens the dough.
• 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast – The key ingredient that makes the bread rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Soft Sandwich Oatmeal Bread

• Bread Machine – Does all the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking for a hassle-free homemade bread experience.
• Measuring Cups – Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for the best texture and consistency.
• Measuring Spoons – Helps measure small ingredient amounts like sugar, salt, and yeast.
• Microwave (optional) – Used to warm the milk to the right temperature for proper yeast activation.

Directions:

Warm the milk in the microwave (10 seconds at a time) so it’s like your body temperature (it should feel barely warm when you test it with your finger).

Put the ingredients in the bread machine (in the order recommended by your bread machine – either liquid ingredients first or dry ingredients first).

Set the bread machine on the following settings:

Loaf: 1.5 lbs
Crust: Light
Setting: Basic/White Bread (or “Sandwich” setting if your machine has it)

After the bread machine cycle is done, enjoy your bread :)

Sandwiches made with this bread while it’s still warm – yummmm!

To store, wrap in a plastic wrap, so it doesn’t dry out.

Serving Suggestions

• Use this bread for deli-style sandwiches with Crispy Turkey Bacon, ham, or Tender Eye of Round Roast in the Instant Pot. Add Fresh Garden Salad with Lettuce and Tomatoes and your favorite condiments for a fresh, homemade lunch.
• Toast a slice and top it with Creamy Macadamia Nut Butter, Easy Homemade Fig Jam with Fresh Figs, honey, or Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread for a simple and delicious breakfast.
• This bread makes amazing French toast! Dip slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook until golden brown.
• The soft texture and light crust make this bread perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Pair with a warm bowl of Creamy Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup for a comforting meal.
• If you have leftover slices, cube them and bake for homemade croutons or blend them into fine breadcrumbs for cooking.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Yeast – Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Old or expired yeast may not rise properly, leading to dense bread. If unsure, proof the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the bread machine.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. Even a little extra flour or too much liquid can affect the texture.
• Warm the Milk Properly – The milk should be lukewarm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising. A temperature of around 100°F is ideal.
• Layer Ingredients Correctly – Always follow your bread machine’s instructions for ingredient order. Some machines require liquids first, while others need dry ingredients first to ensure proper mixing.
• Choose the Right Settings – Use the Basic/White Bread or Sandwich setting, and select a light crust to keep the bread soft.
• Check the Dough Consistency – After a few minutes of mixing, open the lid and check the dough. It should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too wet, sprinkle in a little flour.
• Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing – It’s tempting to slice right away, but letting the bread cool for at least 30 minutes helps set the texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.
• Store Properly for Freshness – Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it soft. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the bread faster.
• Freeze for Later – If you don’t plan to eat the whole loaf within a few days, slice it and freeze in a sealed bag. Simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster when needed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Version – Replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Since whole wheat absorbs more liquid, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of milk to keep the dough soft.
• Dairy-Free Option – Swap the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative. Use coconut oil or another neutral oil instead of butter if preferred.
• Sweeter Bread – If you like a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons or use brown sugar instead for a richer flavor.
• Nutty or Seedy Bread – Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds for extra crunch and nutrition. Add them during the mixing cycle for even distribution.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with structure. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well. Note that the texture will be denser than regular bread.
• Oat-Free Option – If you don’t have oats or prefer not to use them, substitute with ¼ cup of additional flour. The bread will still be soft but slightly less chewy.
• Add Flavor with Spices – A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds a subtle warmth to the bread, making it extra delicious for breakfast toast.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the bread.
• Freezing Instructions: Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out individual slices when needed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Remove a slice or the whole loaf from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. For a quicker option, pop a slice in the toaster.
• Reheating: If the bread has gone slightly stale, refresh it by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings back its soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread without a bread machine?

Yes! To make it by hand, mix the ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise until doubled, then punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Let it rise again for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until golden brown.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. Since instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients before adding the liquids.

What kind of flour should I use?

You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. Bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour makes a softer loaf. Either option works well!

Why did my bread turn out dry?

If your bread is dry, check that you measured the ingredients accurately. Too much flour or too little liquid can cause dryness. Also, make sure you selected the light crust setting to prevent over-baking.

How do I get a fluffier texture?

For an extra soft and fluffy loaf, try replacing 2 tablespoons of milk with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. This adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in an ultra-soft texture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Add up to ¼ cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries during the mixing cycle. This will give your bread extra texture and flavor.

Why did my bread machine loaf come out square?

Bread machine loaves take the shape of the machine’s baking pan. Some machines have rectangular pans, while others have square pans. The taste and texture will be the same regardless of the shape!

Other Easy Oatmeal Recipes

Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt Oatmeal – This creamy and nutritious oatmeal is made with Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost, keeping you full and energized all morning.

Chewy Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – These soft and chewy cookies use applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture, making them a healthier twist on the classic oatmeal raisin treat.

Healthy Air Fryer Banana Oatmeal Cookies – These easy air fryer cookies are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and packed with hearty oats for a delicious, guilt-free snack.

Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins (No Added Sugar!) – Bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet apple flavor, these wholesome muffins are naturally sweetened and perfect for a healthy, gluten-free breakfast.

Oven-Baked Gluten-Free Meatballs with Oatmeal – These juicy, flavorful meatballs use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free twist, making them perfect for pasta, subs, or meal prep.

Traditional Amish Baked Oatmeal Casserole – This hearty, comforting baked oatmeal is a simple yet delicious breakfast classic that’s soft, slightly chewy, and full of cozy flavors.

Vegan Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free) – These naturally sweetened oatmeal bars are packed with juicy strawberries and bananas, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

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