Our Favorite Bread
A hearty whole-wheat bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking a homemade, wholesome loaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 3 cups of boiling water until dissolved.
- Add the yeast and let it sit until the yeast starts to work and becomes frothy.
- Add the salt, oil, and whole-wheat flour to the mixture.
- Mix well and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a tea towel and place it in a warm oven with the pilot light on to rise until about doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, form into loaves, and place on a cookie sheet.
- Let the loaves rise again until nearly doubled, then knead briefly and place in pans.
- Allow the dough to rise once more, then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using bread flour instead of whole-wheat flour. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly. Ensure the water is just boiled and not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you're short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm spot. This recipe is also great for using up leftover ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and stews, such as a hearty Vegetable Toss. It pairs beautifully with spreads like butter or jam. For a delicious breakfast, serve it toasted with a drizzle of honey or alongside a cup of Tangy Punch for a refreshing start to your day.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, maintaining its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Bread contains roughly 275 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% 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 dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients without the need to dissolve it in water. The rising time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough.
What can I do if my bread didn't rise?
If your bread didn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or the dough being in a too-cool environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot next time. You might also check the water temperature; it should be warm but not hot.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may also need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. Be sure to check the yeast and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
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).