Whole wheat bread is a delightful, nutritious option that offers a hearty flavor and a wealth of health benefits. Whether you’re a bread enthusiast or someone seeking a healthier alternative to store-bought white bread, making your own whole wheat bread can be a rewarding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of crafting a delectable loaf of 100% whole wheat bread, from the ingredients you need to the step-by-step instructions for both bread machines and traditional hand-kneading methods. Let’s dive in!
Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe : A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients for 100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe :
2. Instruction : How to make whole wheat bread in 2 ways
2.1 The Bread Machine Method:
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Step 1 : Add Ingredients to the Bread Pan:
Start with the lukewarm water, followed by oil, sweetener, whole wheat flour, seeds (if desired), vital wheat gluten, salt, and instant yeast. This order matters to ensure proper mixing and rising.
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Step 2 : Choose the Right Program:
Select the "basic white bread" setting on your bread machine or the "whole wheat bread" setting if available. Press start and let the machine work its magic.
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Step 3 : Cooling and Crust Care:
Once the machine completes the baking cycle, remove the bread and cool it either on a rack or inside the machine with the lid slightly ajar to prevent the crust from wrinkling.
2.2 The Hand-Kneading Method:
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Step 1: Mix Ingredients:
 Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Start with the liquid ingredients, then add flour, seeds, vital wheat gluten, salt, and finally, instant yeast.
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Step 2 : Kneading the Dough:
Knead the dough until it's smooth and slightly tacky. This process typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. -
Step 3 : First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in volume. This usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. -
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf:
Gently deflate the risen dough and shape it to fit a greased 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan. Let it rise again, covered, until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. Baking:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for about 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F, indicating it's fully baked.
Serving Size 1
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- Calories from Fat 78kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.5g6%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Bread Recipe :
- Flour-to-Liquid Ratio: Observe the dough during kneading. It should be smooth and form a nice ball, not too sticky (indicating too little flour) or lumpy (indicating too little liquid). Adjust as needed for optimal results.
- Experiment with Seeds: Seeds not only add texture but also provide additional nutrients. Be creative with sunflower, sesame, flax seeds, or a combination to suit your taste.
- Vital Wheat Gluten: For a higher rise and improved structure, consider adding vital wheat gluten to your recipe.
Making your own 100% whole wheat bread allows you to savor the wholesome goodness of a homemade loaf, free from artificial additives. Whether you prefer the convenience of a bread machine or the traditional approach of hand-kneading, this versatile whole wheat bread recipe offers you the flexibility to create a delicious, nutrient-packed loaf that's perfect for sandwiches and toast. By following these easy steps, you'll be on your way to becoming a whole wheat bread-baking pro, delighting your family and friends with the wonderful aroma and flavor of homemade goodness.
