Favorite Homemade Bread
A hearty, wholesome homemade bread with a nutty flavor from cracked wheat, perfect for sandwiches or toast, suited for those who enjoy fresh, baked-from-scratch bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water with sugar and set aside for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, salt, and oil.
- Stir in cracked wheat and flours.
- Mix well.
- On a floured board, knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let rise in a large oiled pan or bowl for approximately 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, turn it over, and let rise again for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Knead each part vigorously and shape into loaves.
- Place the loaves into 4 greased bread loaf pans.
- Allow the loaves to rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider substituting half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. If you can't find cracked wheat, bulgur wheat works as a suitable alternative. Make sure your water temperature is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you're short on time, you can skip the second rise, but it may affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, or simply toasted with butter. Serve it alongside a hearty soup or with dips like hummus or Aunt Lucille'S French Dressing for a delightful meal. It also pairs beautifully with Summer Salad With Creamy Lime-Honey Dressing for a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Homemade Bread contains roughly 2894 calories, with 25g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 242g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2282mg per serving (99% 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 a yeast cake?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for the yeast cake. Use about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water first.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the first rise. To test if it's ready, gently poke the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step. If it springs back, give it more time to rise.
What can I do if my bread dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. However, avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
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).