Are you tired of store-bought bread that lacks flavor and nutrition? Get ready to transform your baking game with this ultimate whole wheat bread recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a professional bakery! This isn't just another bread recipe – it's a foolproof method to create a golden, crusty loaf that's packed with wholesome goodness and will have your family begging for more. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a perfect loaf every single time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 1/4 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the yeast mixture and stir gently. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Once the yeast is frothy, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and salt. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more whole wheat flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and then rolling it tightly from one short end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your perfect whole wheat bread fresh or toasted, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely warm (110°F) – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it.
- Kneading is Key: Don't rush the kneading process. A full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works perfectly.
- Check Yeast Freshness: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn't get frothy, it might be expired.
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel to keep it fresh and prevent the crust from getting too hard.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding seeds or herbs to the dough during the mixing stage!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
