Basic Whole Wheat Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 1 Cuisine: American

A hearty whole wheat bread with rich flavor and chewy texture, perfect for healthy sandwiches or toast, suitable for bread lovers seeking wholesome baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 cups Arrowhead Mills stone ground whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 3/4 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Pour water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with yeast. Allow yeast to dissolve, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add honey, salt, dry milk, oil, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl.
  3. Stir well to combine.
  4. Continue to stir, adding a little flour at a time, until the dough becomes stiff and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. Turn dough onto a floured board and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Shape the dough and place it in an oiled 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
  7. Allow the loaf to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking. If you want to add extra flavor, consider mixing in seeds like sunflower or flaxseed. If whole wheat flour is unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, though the texture and flavor will differ. For added sweetness, try using maple syrup instead of honey.

Serving Suggestions

This whole wheat bread is perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with soups or salads, making it a great addition to any meal. Consider using it for a hearty sandwich filled with fresh vegetables, turkey, or even as a base for a delicious Submarine Buns recipe. Serve with a side of your favorite dip or spread for a delightful snack.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and toast in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basic Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 1531 calories, with 162g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (385% of the Daily Value), protein (324% of the Daily Value), and potassium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1531 kcal 77% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 161.9g 100% DV
Total Fat 46.3g 59% DV
Carbs 189.6g 69% DV
Fiber 107.7g 100% DV
Sugar 24.6g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 3838.8mg 82% DV
Cholesterol 16.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 245.7mcg 27% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 129.4mg 10% DV
Iron 8.9mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

To check if your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F for perfect doneness.

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).

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