This Easy Whole Wheat Bread recipe is the perfect choice for home bakers looking for a wholesome, beginner-friendly bread that’s soft, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like whole wheat flour, honey, and olive oil, this delightful loaf comes together with just 15 minutes of prep time, plus a bit of patience during the rises. The honey adds a subtle sweetness while the olive oil keeps the bread moist and tender. Kneading ensures a smooth, elastic dough, and finishing touches like rolled oats or sesame seeds add a rustic, bakery-style charm. Whether you’re slicing it for sandwiches, toast, or pairing with soup, this versatile whole wheat bread is a must-try for anyone craving homemade comfort. Perfect as a healthy option for breakfast or lunch, this recipe guarantees success, even for novice bakers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add 3 cups of whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil into the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, while kneading the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic but slightly tacky.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release excess air and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, brush the top of the loaf with water or olive oil and sprinkle with rolled oats or sesame seeds for extra texture.
Bake the 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.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Calories |
2064 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.0 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3570 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 367.6 g | 134% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 53.8 g | 192% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.8 g | ||
| Protein | 60.8 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 1922 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.