Whole Bread Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 05, 2025

18

Share

Whole Wheat Bread Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Goodness

Are you ready to ditch the store-bought loaves and bake your own delicious, nutritious whole wheat bread? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you achieve a perfectly risen, crusty, and flavorful loaf every time. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes one large loaf. Adjust quantities as needed for your baking needs.

• 2 cups warm water (105-115°F): Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly. Use a thermometer for accuracy!
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Provides food for the yeast.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your bread rise!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds flavor and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity.
• 3 cups whole wheat flour: The star of the show! Use a good quality flour for best results.
• 1 ½ - 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is added to adjust the dough consistency. Start with 1 ½ cups and add more as needed.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Getting Started: Activating the Yeast

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Mixing the Dough:

2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the olive oil and salt.
3. Add whole wheat flour: Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Add all-purpose flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Kneading the Dough:

5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):

6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Second Rise (Proofing):

7. Punch down the dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
8. Shape the loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
9. Second rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

Baking the Bread:

10. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips for Whole Wheat Bread Success:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and flour make a big difference.
• Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
• Adjust the flour: Depending on the flour you use, you may need to add more or less all-purpose flour.
• Check for doneness: Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
• Experiment with flavors: Add seeds, nuts, or herbs to create your own unique variations.

Enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread! It's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Share your baking adventures with us in the comments below!