Whole wheat bread recipe

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This whole wheat bread is soft yet hearty, with a nutty depth and subtle sweetness from honey. A touch of olive oil keeps it tender, while a blend of whole wheat and bread flour ensures it’s fluffy instead of dense. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter, this is the bread you’ll keep baking again and again.

Servings

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Resting time 45

Total Time 1 40

Equipment

Mixing bowl
8x4 or 9x5 inch loaf pan
Wire cooling rack
Stand mixer or hand mixer optional

Ingredients

2 ½ cups 300 g whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups 180 g bread flour (lightens texture)
2 ¼ tsp 7 g instant yeast
1 ½ cups 360 ml warm water (about 40°C / 105°F)
3 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 ½ tsp salt
Optional: 2 tbsp rolled oats or seeds for topping

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and half the flour. Mix until combined.
Stir in remaining flour gradually, kneading until dough is smooth and elastic (8–10 mins by hand, 5–6 mins in mixer). Dough should be slightly tacky, not sticky.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in greased loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let rise 30–40 mins, until dough crowns slightly above the pan.
Brush top with water or olive oil, sprinkle oats/seeds if desired.
Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 35 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing (this prevents a gummy crumb).

Notes

For extra softness → swap ½ cup water with warm milk.
For rustic bread → use 100% whole wheat flour, but expect denser texture.
For crunch → mix in 2 tbsp flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts.
Make ahead → Freeze baked slices or dough for future use.

Serving Suggestions

Toasted with butter & jam at breakfast
As the base for avocado toast with seeds
Thick slices dipped into soups and stews
Sandwich bread for turkey, veggies, or cheese
Transform into French toast with honey & cinnamon

Author: The Gourmet Palette

Calories: 150kcal

Course: Breads

Cuisine: Dessert

Keyword: Baked breadsticks, easy whole wheat bread, healthy bread recipe, homemade wheat bread, recipe for wheat bread, soft wheat bread, wheat bread, wheat bread recipe, whole wheat bread, whole wheat bread recipe

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