Traditional Wheat Bread Recipe π
Overview:
This traditional wheat bread recipe, passed down from Taste of Home’s Quick Cooking, promises a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a large gathering or simply craving a healthy, homemade treat, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy it toasted with a generous slather of butter for a truly comforting experience!
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 48 slices
- Yield: 3 loaves
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 77.7
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
- Sodium: 155.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.8g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2.3g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of bread flour, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, yeast, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, honey, and butter until the temperature reaches 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stir the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened.
- Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the remaining whole wheat flour and enough remaining bread flour to form a stiff dough.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a surface lightly dusted with all-purpose flour.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.
-
Shape the Loaves:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into thirds and shape each portion into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaves into three greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
-
Second Rise:
- Cover the pans and let the dough rise again until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes.
-
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the loaves for 35-40 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- If the tops of the loaves brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions:
This traditional wheat bread is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when served warm with a generous spread of butter. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a hearty sandwich, or alongside your favorite soups and stews. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, or freeze for longer-term enjoyment. With its soft texture and wholesome flavor, this homemade wheat bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!