Whole Wheat Bread Loaves
Whole wheat bread loaves offer hearty, nutty flavor with a soft crumb, perfect for wholesome sandwiches or toast, appealing to bread lovers seeking homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon honey and let set until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Scald milk and remove from heat; stir in remaining honey, salt, and butter.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Add yeast mixture and beaten eggs to milk.
- Stir in 3 cups wheat or graham flour and enough all-purpose flour to make a medium stiff dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead dough about 10 minutes.
- Place in a well greased bowl; turn dough to coat surface.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
- Punch down and turn out on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide dough in half.
- Place in well greased loaf pans.
- Let rise again, about 60 minutes.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until loaves test done.
- Remove from pans and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer crust, consider brushing the loaves with melted butter right after baking. If you don't have whole wheat flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture. Adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
This whole wheat bread pairs beautifully with soups or salads, making it a great accompaniment to meals like Rita'S Crunchy Vegetable Casserole. For breakfast, toast slices and spread with butter or your favorite jam. Additionally, it can be used for sandwiches, adding a hearty and nutritious touch to any filling.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, placing parchment paper between slices. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Bread Loaves contains roughly 3617 calories, with 45g protein, 748g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. 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 dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the activation step with warm water. Adjust the water temperature accordingly to avoid killing the yeast.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, check the yeast for freshness. Yeast needs warmth to activate; if your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warm area or in an oven with just the light on. You can also let it rise longer than the suggested time.
How can I add flavor to the bread?
You can add herbs, spices, or nuts to the dough for extra flavor. Consider mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder or rosemary. For a sweet twist, fold in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries before the second rise.
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).