Heart-Healthy Spanish Bread
Elevate your bread-making game with this Heart-Healthy Spanish Bread, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed for an omega-3 boost, and rolled oats for a hearty garnish, this recipe prioritizes your health without compromising on flavor. The subtle sweetness of honey pairs beautifully with the richness of olive oil, creating a balanced and aromatic dough that's perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a dinner side. With easy-to-follow instructions and a golden, oat-speckled crust, this bread is a nutritious, low-sodium option ideal for health-conscious bakers. Ready in under two hours and made with simple pantry staples, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy homemade bread while supporting your heart health!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Whole wheat flour
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted olive oil-based spread or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 cup Skim milk
- 0.5 teaspoons Low-sodium salt (or regular if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons Rolled oats (for garnish)
- 1 large Egg white (for brushing, optional)
- 0.25 cup Warm water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves, then sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Warm the skim milk slightly (lukewarm, not hot) and add it to the yeast mixture. Stir in the olive oil or spread, ground flaxseed, and low-sodium salt.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, 1 cup at a time. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel 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 and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each piece into a small loaf or roll, depending on your preference.
Arrange the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel, and allow the dough to rest for 20–30 minutes to puff slightly.
Optional: Brush the tops of the dough with egg white for a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle the rolled oats on top for decoration and added fiber.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy Spanish bread as a side, snack, or sandwich base!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 7 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 662 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 367.6 g | 134% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.8 g | 160% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.8 g | ||
| Protein | 70.2 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 471 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2131 mg | 45% | |
*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.
