Janet'S Whole Wheat Bread
Warm, hearty whole wheat bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for wholesome sandwiches or toast, suitable for bakers of all skill levels seeking a nutritious loaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat the milk, 1 cup warm water, salt, honey, and butter until warm, then pour into the bowl with the dissolved yeast.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure the yeast is fully dissolved.
- Add 3 cups of whole wheat flour and stir to combine.
- Add 2 more cups of flour and stir well.
- Add 1/2 cup of flour and stir again.
- Place 1/2 cup of flour on a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then knead again and cut the dough in half.
- Butter two bread pans and place the dough halves into them.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter bread, you can replace half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. If you don't have honey, brown sugar or maple syrup can serve as good substitutes. Make sure the water and milk are warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Knead the dough until it is elastic to ensure a good rise. This bread can also be shaped into rolls for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
This whole wheat bread is perfect for sandwiches or simply toasted with butter and jam. Pair it with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great base for a Pimento Cheese Casserole. Consider serving it alongside a light breakfast of eggs or as part of a vegetarian recipes spread for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the 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 can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or toast them directly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janet'S Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 687 calories, with 18g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 active yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm water. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Why is my bread dense?
A dense bread can result from under-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise sufficiently. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and give it enough time to double in size before baking.
Can I add seeds or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or nuts like walnuts or pecans, can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread. Just mix them in with the flour during the initial stages.
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).