Swedish Rye Bread(Bread Machine Recipe)
Swedish Rye Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor with hints of orange, cardamom, and anise, making it perfect for special breakfasts or hearty sandwiches. Its dense texture pairs wonderfully with butter and ham, appealing to bread enthusiasts seeking a traditional, flavorful loaf. Ideal for bread machine lovers.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed anise seed ⓘ
- Finely grated rind of one orange ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups rye flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups bread flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rapid rise bread machine yeast ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- Cornmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients, except yeast, and set aside.
- Pour warm water and molasses into the bread machine.
- Add dry ingredients, yeast, and butter to the machine.
- Set the machine for the dough cycle. During kneading, add additional water or flour if needed to achieve a soft, not gummy, dough consistency.
- At the end of the dough cycle, turn the dough onto a floured surface and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Form the dough into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf onto a lightly greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
- Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Tap the bottom; the loaf should sound hollow when done.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve buttered with paper-thin sliced ham for a special treat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of caraway seeds to the dry ingredients. If you don't have rye flour, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, though the texture may vary slightly. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Swedish rye bread is delightful when served buttered with paper-thin sliced ham for a special treat. It also pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or salad, making it versatile for any meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad like the Darn The Calories! Full Speed Ahead Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast. For breakfast, try it toasted with a spread of cream cheese or your favorite jam.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable bag. To reheat, toast slices directly from the freezer or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Rye Bread(Bread Machine Recipe) contains roughly 2311 calories, with 89g protein, 369g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2084mg per serving (91% 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 rapid rise yeast?
Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast. Just be sure to activate it by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the bread machine. This may require a little extra time for the dough to rise, so plan accordingly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky during kneading, gradually add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft and manageable consistency. Remember that humidity can affect dough texture, so adjust accordingly to achieve the right balance.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the dry ingredients. You could also experiment with different spices or even a touch of honey instead of sugar for a unique twist on this traditional recipe.
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).