rustic whole wheat bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
rustic whole wheat bread recipe
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The Best rustic whole wheat bread recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite rustic whole wheat bread recipe, which has become a staple in our household. This bread is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple Sunday dinner. I love how it turns out – soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, with a beautiful texture that’s just irresistible.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The best part?

It’s packed with nutrients and is a healthier alternative to store-bought bread. We’ve been making this bread for years now, and it’s become a tradition that we all look forward to. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through our home is just the best – it’s like a warm hug for the senses.

I could talk about this bread all day, but I’ll try to keep it brief for now. Let’s get started! This recipe originated from my grandmother, who would make it for us whenever we visited her house.

She’d let us help her mix the dough and shape the loaves, and we’d always feel so proud of ourselves when they came out of the oven looking perfect. The key to this recipe lies in its simplicity – no fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required. Just good old-fashioned flour, water, yeast, salt, and time.

The result is a beautifully rustic loaf that’s full of character and flavor.

Rustic Whole Wheat Bread

Rustic Whole Wheat Bread

4.9 from 624 votes

A hearty and wholesome whole wheat bread with a crisp crust and tender crumb. This simple no-knead recipe yields a rustic loaf perfect for sandwiches or toasting.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110°F)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast.
2Stir with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3Pour the warm water into the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4The dough will be sticky and not smooth.
5Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until the dough has doubled in size and appears bubbly.
6After the first rise, lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
7With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a few times to shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate it too much.
8Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper.
9Cover it loosely with the same towel and let it rise for 30 to 40 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
10Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F and place the Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
11Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
12Using the parchment paper as a sling, lower the dough into the pot.
13Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
14Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
15Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.
16This allows the crumb to set properly.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid
Parchment paper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 590mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a softer crust, brush the hot loaf with melted butter after baking. Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Watch Video Of How Rustic Whole Wheat Bread Works

This rustic whole wheat bread recipe has been a staple in our household for years now, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or using it as sandwich filler – and its simplicity makes it accessible even to beginners in the kitchen.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it keeps once baked – you can slice into it days later without worrying about losing its freshness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rustic Whole Wheat Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

This recipe calls for whole wheat flour, which gives the bread its distinctive nutty flavor and texture. You can use either all-purpose or bread flour as a substitute if you prefer a lighter loaf.

Q: Can I make this bread in a stand mixer?

While you can use a stand mixer to mix the dough, I highly recommend doing it by hand – it’s much more therapeutic and will give you a better sense of connection to your food.

Q: How long does this bread take to rise?

The rising time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen – typically around 1-2 hours at room temperature.

Q: Can I add any mix-ins or herbs to this recipe?

Sure thing! Some people swear by adding chopped nuts or dried herbs for extra flavor – feel free to experiment!

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Nope! This recipe relies on traditional wheat flour to create its signature texture – if you’re looking for gluten-free options, I’d be happy to suggest some alternatives.

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