This whole wheat bread machine recipe produces a healthy, hearty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. Using whole wheat flour, this bread is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a great addition to your diet.
The recipe is designed for a bread machine, simplifying the process and ensuring consistent results. You can easily customize it by adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Wholesome Ingredients for Whole Wheat Bread
Creating a delicious loaf of whole wheat bread starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Whole wheat flour serves as the foundation, providing essential fiber and nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.
In addition to flour, the recipe calls for warm water, which activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise. Honey or sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while olive oil or melted butter enriches the dough, giving it a tender crumb. Salt is also essential, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.
The Bread Machine Advantage
Using a bread machine simplifies the bread-making process significantly. With just a few steps, you can achieve consistent results without the need for extensive kneading or monitoring.
Simply add the ingredients in the correct order, select the appropriate settings, and let the machine do the work. This method is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle.
Customizing Your Loaf
One of the joys of making whole wheat bread is the ability to customize it to your taste. Consider adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Sunflower seeds, walnuts, or raisins can elevate the bread, making it even more satisfying. Experimenting with different additions allows you to create a loaf that perfectly suits your preferences.
Perfecting the Baking Process
Timing is crucial when baking bread. The total time for this whole wheat bread recipe is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, which includes both preparation and cooking.
After the baking cycle is complete, it’s important to let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the interior to set properly, making slicing easier and ensuring the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This whole wheat bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with a drizzle of honey or a dip in olive oil.
Pair it with soups or salads for a wholesome meal, or enjoy it as a snack with your favorite spreads. The options are endless, making this bread a staple in any kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this whole wheat bread delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Each slice contains approximately 120 calories, with 5 grams of protein and 2 grams of fat.
Rich in carbohydrates, it provides the energy needed for daily activities while being a healthier alternative to white bread. Incorporating whole grains into your diet can contribute to better health and well-being.
Easy Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe
This whole wheat bread is made with simple ingredients and takes about 3 hours from start to finish in a bread machine. The recipe yields one 1.5-pound loaf, perfect for families or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Place the warm water in the bread machine pan. Add honey (or sugar), olive oil (or butter), and salt. Then, add the whole wheat flour on top, making sure to cover the liquid completely.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast. Do not stir.
- Select Settings: Close the lid and select the whole wheat setting on your bread machine. Choose the desired crust color (light, medium, or dark) and start the machine.
- Cool the Bread: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g