100% Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread with rich, nutty flavor and hearty texture, perfect for healthy sandwiches or toast, suitable for bread lovers seeking wholesome baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Scald milk and mix in oil, honey, molasses, and salt.
- When milk is cool, add to yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually stir in whole wheat flour until well combined.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let rise in a covered bowl until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide dough into 2 or 3 portions and shape into loaves.
- Place loaves into bread pans and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake at 425°F for 12 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the best rise, make sure your milk has cooled to lukewarm before adding it to the yeast mixture. If you want a slightly sweeter bread, consider adding a bit more honey or molasses. For a different flavor, you can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. This recipe can also be adapted to make rolls or dinner bread.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty whole wheat bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Or Turkey Cornbread Dressing for a comforting meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or soup to complement its nutty flavor. It also makes a great base for breakfast toast with avocado or nut butter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag, where it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 100% Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 192 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of dry yeast. Just mix it directly into the flour without dissolving it first. This can save time and still yield a great rise for your bread.
What should I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or too cold of a rising environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place. If the dough doesn't double in size, try placing it in a slightly warmed oven to encourage rising.
Can I add seeds or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding seeds like sunflower or flaxseed, or nuts such as walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor and texture of your whole wheat bread. Just fold them in gradually after mixing in the flour for an extra crunchy bite.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).