Rustic Farmhouse Whole Wheat Bread Recipe for Homemade Comfort

Baking a delectable whole wheat bread recipe at home can transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery.

Crafting this hearty whole wheat bread fills the air with an irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.

Warm, golden-brown slices promise comfort and nourishment with every bite.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rustic loaf that speaks to traditional baking techniques.

Wholesome grains provide robust flavor and satisfying texture that elevates your homemade bread experience.

Each slice carries the rich, nutty essence of carefully selected wheat.

This recipe offers a delightful journey into artisan bread making that will have you reaching for another slice.

Savor the pure pleasure of breaking bread straight from your own oven.

Tools for Baking Whole Wheat Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee bread success.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring yeast mixture and mixing dough.
• Clean kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising period to retain moisture.
• Bread loaf pan: Shapes bread and ensures even baking.
• Kitchen scale (optional): Helps measure ingredients with precision.
• Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Oven: Necessary for baking the bread to golden perfection.

Bread Baking Steps for Whole Wheat Loaves

• Activate Yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This magical process wakes up the tiny yeast organisms and prepares them to make your bread rise beautifully.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Blend whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a little well in the center where you’ll pour your liquid ingredients. This technique helps distribute everything evenly and prevents clumping.

• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about perfect smoothness right now – that comes later!

• Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and start kneading. Push, fold, and turn the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the texture becomes smooth and elastic, and it springs back when you poke it.

• First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size, developing incredible flavor and texture.

• Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the puffy dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it looks beautifully rounded.

• Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips to Improve Whole Wheat Bread Texture

• Yeast Activation Magic: Ensure your water is between 100-110°F for perfect yeast activation; too hot kills the yeast, too cold prevents rising.
• Kneading Know-How: Develop gluten by kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps create a better bread texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and improve texture.
• Rising Room Secrets: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area like inside a turned-off oven with the light on, maintaining a consistent temperature around 80-85°F.
• Flavor Boosters: Enhance the bread's taste by adding seeds like sunflower, flax, or sesame during the kneading process for extra nutrition and crunch.

How to Serve Fresh Whole Wheat Bread

• Rustic Sandwich Delight: Slice the freshly baked whole wheat bread and layer with roasted turkey, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a smear of tangy mustard for a hearty lunch sandwich.
• Breakfast Toast Perfection: Toast thin slices until golden brown, then spread with creamy avocado, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, or top with soft scrambled eggs for a nutritious morning meal.
• Homemade Bread Pudding: Cube leftover bread and transform it into a comforting dessert by mixing with eggs, milk, cinnamon, and raisins, then baking until custardy and golden for a sweet treat that reduces food waste.
• Bruschetta Base Charm: Cut bread into diagonal slices, lightly toast, and top with diced fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant appetizer that showcases the bread's rustic texture.

Keep Your Whole Wheat Bread Fresh

• Fresh Batch Rotation: Enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread within 3-4 days when stored at room temperature. Keep the loaf in a breathable bread bag or wrapped loosely in a clean kitchen towel to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When storing bread for longer periods, place the sliced loaf in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Refrigeration can extend the bread's life up to 7-9 days, preventing potential mold growth and maintaining its soft consistency.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the bread before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap individual sections in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen whole wheat bread remains delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or quickly toast frozen slices for a crispy texture.
• Moisture Management: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture, which helps prevent soggy bread. Replace the paper towel every few days to maintain optimal bread quality and prevent potential staleness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 12

Whole Wheat Bread Ingredient Basics

• Warm Water: Kicks off the yeast's magic, awakens fermentation process with gentle heat.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping it bloom and create those fluffy bread textures.
• Honey: Natural sweetener alternative that adds subtle depth and helps yeast activate smoothly.
• Instant Yeast: Skip activation step, ready to mix directly into dry ingredients.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Nutrient-packed base bringing rich, nutty flavor and wholesome texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness, balancing whole wheat's dense character.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, controls yeast growth, and strengthens gluten development.

• Olive Oil: Adds moisture, softens crumb, creates tender bread with smooth mouthfeel.
• Vital Wheat Gluten: Boosts protein content, improves bread's rise and texture, especially crucial for whole wheat breads.

Hearty Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Whole wheat bread emerges as a wholesome, hearty delight for home bakers seeking nutritious comfort. Rustic crumb and nutty flavor promise a satisfying slice that nourishes both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (240 mL/240 milliliters) warm water
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp/2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 2 tbsps/tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp/tablespoon sugar or honey
• 1 ½ tsp/teaspoons salt
• 1 tbsp/tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional, for softer texture)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk warm water, sweetener, and yeast together, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for 5-10 minutes.
2. Flour Preparation: Sift whole wheat and all-purpose flours in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient foundation.
3. Dough Formation: Create a central well in the flour mixture, then pour in activated yeast liquid, olive oil, and salt; gently combine ingredients until a cohesive, slightly rough dough emerges.
4. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead energetically for 8-10 minutes, developing gluten and transforming the texture into a smooth, elastic consistency.
5. First Rise: Place kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, undisturbed location until volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
6. Shaping and Second Rise: Deflate the dough, shape into a loaf, and position in a greased bread pan; allow a second rise for 30-45 minutes while covered with a clean kitchen towel.
7. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, delicately score the loaf’s surface with a sharp knife to create an artistic pattern.
8. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread achieves a rich golden hue and produces a hollow sound when tapped; cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for perfect yeast blooming without killing the microorganisms.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by stretching and folding dough, not just turning, to create a light, airy bread texture with better rise.
• Rise Environment Control: Use a warm, humid spot like inside a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to support optimal dough expansion.
• Flour Flexibility: Substitute up to 50% whole wheat with alternative flours like rye or spelt for diverse nutrition and flavor profiles without compromising bread structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg