4 Grain Walnut Bread
A hearty whole grain walnut bread with a rich, nutty flavor and wholesome texture, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to health-conscious bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle oatmeal into 2 cups boiling water in a pan and bring to a boil again.
- In a bowl, combine salt, molasses, and butter.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture over the salt, molasses, and butter mixture and allow to cool to lukewarm.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve dry yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled oatmeal mixture.
- Gradually add whole wheat flour, wheat germ, bran flakes, rye flour, cornmeal, and white flour, mixing well.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and shape into loaves.
- Place loaves in greased bread pans and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them into the dough. If you don't have molasses, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will change slightly. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it doesn’t foam in warm water, it’s likely expired. For added texture, try mixing in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty 4 Grain Walnut Bread is perfect toasted with a spread of butter or your favorite jam. It pairs beautifully with soups and salads, such as a light Williamsburgh Spinach salad. You can also use it for sandwiches, making it a great base for vegetarian recipes loaded with fresh veggies and spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply toast slices directly from the freezer or wrap the loaf in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 4 Grain Walnut Bread contains roughly 672 calories, with 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% 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 only one type of flour instead of multiple?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of the combination of flours. However, this may alter the flavor and texture of the bread. Whole wheat flour is recommended for added nutrition and a denser loaf. Experimenting with different flour combinations can yield delicious results!
What should I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to old yeast or incorrect water temperature. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F (43°C), when activating the yeast. If the dough is too dense, try kneading it longer or adding a bit more warm water to achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread. Just make sure to chop larger nuts and fruits into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution. Consider adding dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for a delightful twist!
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).