This whole wheat sandwich bread is a nutritious and wholesome option for your sandwiches. Made with whole wheat flour, it offers a hearty texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with various fillings.
The recipe is simple and perfect for beginners. You can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread while ensuring it’s made with quality ingredients.
Why Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread?
Whole wheat sandwich bread stands out as a nutritious choice for everyday meals. Its hearty texture and nutty flavor make it an excellent base for various fillings, from classic peanut butter and jelly to gourmet sandwiches.
Choosing whole wheat flour not only enhances the taste but also boosts the nutritional profile. This type of bread is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to your diet.
Ingredients That Matter
Creating the perfect loaf begins with selecting quality ingredients. Whole wheat flour is the star, providing that distinctive flavor and texture.
Incorporating all-purpose flour balances the density, resulting in a soft, tender crumb. Sugar or honey adds a touch of sweetness, while salt enhances the overall flavor. Instant yeast is essential for that perfect rise, and warm water activates the yeast, bringing the dough to life.
The Baking Process
Baking whole wheat sandwich bread is a straightforward process that can be tackled by anyone, even those new to bread making. The first step involves mixing the dry ingredients, ensuring they are well combined.
Next, the wet ingredients are added, transforming the mixture into a dough. Kneading is crucial; it develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure. After kneading, the dough is allowed to rise, doubling in size and becoming airy.
Shaping and Rising
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. This step is vital for achieving that classic sandwich bread form. After shaping, the dough undergoes a second rise, which allows it to expand further and develop flavor.
Covering the loaf during this time helps retain moisture, ensuring a soft texture. Patience is key as the dough rises above the rim of the pan, ready for baking.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven is an essential step before placing the loaf inside. The ideal temperature ensures even baking, resulting in a golden-brown crust.
Baking time varies, but the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it’s done. Cooling the bread on a wire rack is important to prevent sogginess, allowing the crust to remain crisp.
Enjoying Your Creation
Once cooled, slicing into the loaf reveals its inviting crumb. The soft, fluffy interior is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even enjoying plain with a spread of butter or jam.
This whole wheat sandwich bread not only satisfies hunger but also offers a wholesome option for any meal. Whether packed for lunch or served at breakfast, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Easy Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe
This sandwich bread features a blend of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, resulting in a soft and tender loaf. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until it rises above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g