basic wheat bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic wheat bread recipe

I’ve been making this basic wheat bread recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic mixing and kneading.

The result is a beautifully textured loaf with a subtle sweetness and a hint of nuttiness from the wheat flour. The story behind this recipe is one of comfort food at its finest. My grandmother used to make it for me when I was a child, and I’ve continued the tradition with my own family.

There’s something special about biting into a warm slice of homemade bread, feeling the crust give way to the soft interior. It’s a sensory experience that never gets old. One of the key techniques to making this bread is in the kneading process.

By working the dough just so, you develop the gluten in the flour, giving the bread its characteristic chewiness. It’s a bit of an art form, but don’t worry if you’re not perfect – even with some practice, your bread will still turn out delicious. I love serving this bread with soups, stews, or as a side to hearty meals like roast chicken or beef stew.

It’s also great on its own as a snack or as part of a charcuterie board. And let’s not forget about all the health benefits – whole wheat bread is packed with fiber and nutrients compared to refined white bread.

Basic Wheat Bread

4.9 from 928 votes

A simple and delicious wheat bread recipe that is perfect for beginners. This recipe uses basic ingredients and requires minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp instant yeast
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by greasing it with butter or oil.
Set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, instant yeast, and salt.
4Make a well in the center and add honey and warm water.
5Mix until a dough forms.
6If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
7If it is too dry, add more water.
8Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
9Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
10Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
11Place the loaf in the prepared pan.
12Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has almost doubled in size.
13Bake bread in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
15Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
16Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Loaf pan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 70g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute white flour for a lighter texture.

Watch Video Of How Basic Wheat Bread Works

This basic wheat bread recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting snack or an accompaniment to your favorite meal, this recipe delivers.

With its easy preparation and storage options, you’ll find yourself whipping up loaves on demand whenever you need them.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Wheat Bread

What type of flour should I use?

In this recipe, we recommend using unbleached all-purpose wheat flour for its nutty flavor and coarse texture.

How long does it take to mix and knead the dough?

The mixing process typically takes about 10 minutes with an electric mixer or 15-20 minutes by hand.

Can I make this recipe in a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough.

What if I don’t have any yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast or use baking powder as an alternative leavening agent.

Can I freeze this bread after baking?

Yes, you can freeze this bread after baking for up to 2 months; simply thaw at room temperature before slicing.

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