Heat 1 cup of water to boiling.

Using a large bowl, add boiling water, oats, butter, honey and salt; stir until well combined. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Warm remaining 1 cup of water until lukewarm. Add the warm water, egg and half of the flour to the mixing bowl; stir until just combined. Add yeast and remaining flour; stir until just combined.

Transfer dough into a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until approximately doubled in size.

Spray (2) 8”x4” loaf pans with nonstick baking spray; set pans aside.

Transfer dough onto a floured countertop and fold several times. Divide dough into two equal pieces and transfer into prepared loaf pans. Cover each pan and let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until dough has approximately doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut down the center of each loaf. If desired, sprinkle a few oats on top of the loaves for visual appeal.

Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until bread is golden brown in color. (Note: If you have an instant read thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be ~190°F when fully baked.)

Let loaves cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

{Optional} Brush tops of loaves with melted butter before slicing.