Best Whole Wheat Bread Recipe – Make the Perfect Loaf at Home
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we bring you wholesome recipes crafted with love! This Best Whole Wheat Bread recipe is a time-tested classic that yields five flavorful, hearty loaves perfect for feeding a crowd. Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve bakery-quality bread in the comfort of your kitchen.
Recipe Details
Name
Best Whole Wheat Bread
Cook Time
6 hours
Prep Time
45 minutes
Total Time
6 hours 45 minutes
Description
A wholesome, hearty whole wheat bread recipe perfect for large gatherings, brought to you by Love With Recipes.
Category
Yeast Breads
Keywords
Breads, For Large Groups, Oven
Servings
75
Yield
5 loaves
Nutritional Information
Calories
141.9 per slice
Fat Content
3g
Saturated Fat Content
0.9g
Cholesterol Content
3.6mg
Sodium Content
201.4mg
Carbohydrate Content
25.9g
Fiber Content
3.6g
Sugar Content
3.4g
Protein Content
4.9g
Ingredients
Quantity
Ingredient
8 cups
Milk
1/2 cup
Honey
2/3 cup
Warm water
3 tablespoons
Sugar
1 cup
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Molasses
1/2 tablespoon
Salt
2 tablespoons
Vital wheat gluten
3/4 cup
Whole wheat flour (plus 18–20 cups additional)
Instructions
Step
Instructions
1
Scald the Milk: Heat the milk in a large pot until it just begins to steam. Do not boil.
2
Add Honey: Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
3
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
4
Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the milk mixture has cooled, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the activated yeast mixture.
5
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the salt, olive oil, molasses, vital wheat gluten, and 3–4 cups of whole wheat flour.
6
Incorporate Flour: Slowly add the remaining whole wheat flour, 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.
7
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough vigorously for at least 15 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
8
First Rise: Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1.5–2 hours.
9
Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into five equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf.
10
Second Rise: Place the loaves in greased bread pans and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 1.5–2 hours.
11
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 30 minutes.
12
Finish Baking: Cover the loaves with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
13
Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks before slicing.
14
Optional Additions: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding soaked cracked wheat, oats, or seeds to the dough during mixing.
Tips for Success
Perfect Temperature: Ensure the milk is cooled to room temperature before combining with the yeast mixture to avoid killing the yeast.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality yeast for optimal rise.
Kneading: Proper kneading ensures a strong gluten structure for the perfect texture.
Variations: Experiment with add-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for a personalized touch.
This Best Whole Wheat Bread recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to connect with the tradition of homemade baking. Share it with family and friends and create lasting memories, one slice at a time. Let us know how your bread turns out in the comments below!
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