Country Wheat Bread
A hearty whole wheat bread with a touch of honey and a soft crumb, perfect for wholesome sandwiches or as a nutritious accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 2 hours before serving or day ahead, in a large bowl, combine salt, yeast, and whole wheat flour.
- In a small saucepan, over low heat, heat 1 2/3 cups water until very warm (125° to 130°).
- Add honey and egg to the warm water and mix well.
- Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Allow to rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, try using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if desired. If you want to add seeds or nuts for extra flavor, mix them in during the kneading stage. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and consider letting the dough rise in a warm oven (turned off) for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Country Wheat Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Gladys Beach'S Corn for a comforting meal. You can also use it for sandwiches, toasting, or alongside soups and salads for a satisfying combination. Consider serving it with a spread of hummus or avocado for a nutritious snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread; just toast slices directly from the freezer when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Wheat Bread contains roughly 204 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 502mg per serving (22% 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 regular yeast instead of quick rise yeast?
Yes, you can use regular yeast, but the rising time will be longer. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which may take 1.5 to 2 hours. Just make sure to activate the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your environment; it should be warm but not hot. Try moving it to a warmer spot or using a proofing drawer. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and active by testing it in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
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).