Lattice Bread
Lattice bread with wholesome wheat germ and oats offers a hearty texture and appealing appearance. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches, this bread combines flavor and visual charm.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Mix in sugar, salt, melted butter, wheat germ, and oats.
- Stir in 2 cups of flour or just enough to make the dough leave the sides of the bowl.
- Turn out on a floured surface.
- Knead 5 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough.
- Cut off one-quarter of the dough.
- Shape the remaining dough and place in an 8 or 9-inch spring-form or layer pan.
- Roll the remaining dough into 1/4-inch ropes.
- Arrange the ropes in a lattice fashion on the dough in the pan.
- Brush the lattice with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with additional wheat germ.
- Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Remove from pan immediately and cool on a rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. If you don't have wheat germ, crushed nuts or seeds can serve as a great substitute. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Kneading until the dough is elastic is crucial for a good rise.
Serving Suggestions
This lattice bread is delightful served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with Classic Pumpkin Pie for a festive meal. For a heartier option, serve with a side of Pea-Can Salad. It also makes excellent sandwiches when sliced, offering a unique twist to your usual bread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the lattice bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lattice Bread contains roughly 521 calories, with 10g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in water first; you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
What if my dough isn't rising as expected?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is warm, around 110°F. If conditions are cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven or a warm area in your kitchen.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's 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 to ensure it's fully cooked.
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).