Whole Wheat Bread
This whole wheat bread is a wholesome, hearty bread that is made with 100% whole wheat flour. It has a rich flavour and a dense texture, perfect for sandwiches or as a base for your favourite toppings. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a delicious and nutritious loaf that you can enjoy with your family.
- Total
- 1 hr 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Everyday
Created with Pantry Bliss
Ingredients
4 servings
- 500 g whole wheat flour, sifted
- 300 ml warm water, about 37°C
- 7 g active dry yeast, or 2 teaspoons
- 10 g salt
- 20 g honey or sugar, optional for sweetness
- 30 ml olive oil, for greasing the bowl
- Prep
- 15 min
- Marinate
- 1 hr
- Cook
- 30 min
- Rest
- 10 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 510 kcal
- Protein
- 17.1 g
- Carbohydrate
- 96.3 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Saturated fat
- 1.6 g
- Fibre
- 13.4 g
- Sugars
- 5.6 g
- Sodium
- 990 mg
Estimated from the ingredients, so treat it as a guide.
About this recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from traditional bread-making processes that focus on using whole grains, highlighting the importance of working with natural ingredients. The rustic characteristic of whole wheat bread celebrates simple, wholesome flavours and textures, making it a staple in many household recipes, reminiscent of artisanal styles found in bakeries around the world.
Method
-
Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, stir together the warm water and honey (if using). Then, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Make sure the water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. -
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
-
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture begins to come together into a sticky dough.
-
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
Avoid adding too much extra flour; the dough should remain a bit tacky but not unmanageable. -
Step 5: First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
-
Step 6: Shape the Bread
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
-
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until slightly puffy. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
-
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Ensure the internal temperature of the bread is at least 90°C to ensure it's fully baked. -
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to set the texture and makes it easier to slice.
Cutting too soon can lead to uneven slices.
Tips
- For added flavour, mix in seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds into the dough before shaping.
- You can replace some of the whole wheat flour with white flour if desired for a lighter texture.
- Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- wooden spoon or spatula
- kitchen scale
- kitchen towel
- baking sheet
- oven
Serve it with
Sides
Goes well with
Drinks
-
Herbal Tea
A soothing beverage that pairs well with bread, especially in a snack or light meal setting.
-
Red Wine
Recipe: Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine
A glass of red wine adds a sophisticated touch for adults at the table.
Created by a home cook with Pantry Bliss’s AI recipe creator and shared with the community. Always check recipes for allergens and cook food to safe temperatures.
