cracked wheat bread recipe

cracked wheat bread recipe

The Best cracked wheat bread recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite cracked wheat bread recipe. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delicious sandwich bread or a hearty loaf to serve with dinner, this recipe delivers. I love the nutty flavor and texture of cracked wheat bread, and my kids adore helping me mix and knead the dough.

It’s a fun and rewarding process that always ends with a beautiful, golden loaf that fills our kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly healthy. The cracked wheat is packed with fiber, iron, and other essential minerals that are essential for maintaining good health. Plus, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

I’ve even started making this bread for my family’s weekly dinner gatherings, as it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. The history of cracked wheat bread dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and Greece. It was considered a staple food in many cultures, particularly among the poor who couldn’t afford more expensive grains like wheat flour. Today, we enjoy it as a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional white bread.

To make this recipe even more special, I like to add some dried herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor. My favorite combination is thyme, rosemary, and garlic – it adds such depth and richness to the bread without overpowering its natural taste. I also like to use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour for added texture and nutrition. Kneading the dough is one of my favorite parts of making this bread.

It’s so satisfying to get your hands dirty and work out the kinks in the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. And let me tell you – this dough can be quite stubborn at times! But with patience and persistence, you’ll end up with a beautiful loaf that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Cracked Wheat Bread

Cracked Wheat Bread

4.9 from 1787 votes

A hearty, rustic bread made with cracked wheat for a nutty flavor and chewy texture. This wholesome loaf is perfect for sandwiches or toasting.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal per slice

🥘Ingredients

For the Cracked Wheat Soaker

1 cup cracked wheat
1 cup boiling water

For the Dough

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
3 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup milk, lukewarm

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cracked wheat in a medium bowl and pour the boiling water over it.
2Stir once, then let it sit for 30 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.
3In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in the warm water.
4Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
5In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
6Add the soaked cracked wheat, yeast mixture, olive oil, and lukewarm milk.
7Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
8Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
9The dough should spring back when pressed gently with a finger.
10Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.
11Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.
5 hours until doubled in size.
12Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
13Shape it into a loaf and place it seam side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
14Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until the dough crowns about 1 inch above the rim.
15Preheat the oven to 375°F.
16Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
17The internal temperature should reach 190°F.
18Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
19This allows the crumb to set properly.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or dough whisk
Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
9×5 inch loaf pan
Cooling rack
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 3g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 1mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 34g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a softer crust, brush the hot loaf with 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 Cracked Wheat Bread Works

This cracked wheat bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick snack on hand.

Its nutty flavor and crumbly texture make it perfect for serving with soups or stews.

Plus, its numerous health benefits make it an excellent choice for families looking for wholesome ingredients in their meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Wheat Bread

Q: What is cracked wheat?

Cracked wheat is an ancient grain that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures around the world. It’s made by cracking or breaking down whole wheat berries into smaller pieces.

Q: Can I substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour?

No, using all-purpose flour will result in a different texture and flavor than using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour provides more fiber, nutrients, and texture than all-purpose flour.

Q: How do I store leftover bread?

Leftover bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses whole wheat flour which contains gluten. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, consider substituting with gluten-free flours like almond or coconut.

Q: Why does the dough need to rest before baking?

The resting period allows the yeast to ferment the sugars in the dough, resulting in a lighter texture and better flavor.

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