Transport yourself to the resourceful kitchens of the past with this wholesome and hearty War Bread recipe—a true testament to ingenuity during lean times. Made with a rustic blend of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and quick oats, this bread is enriched with the deep, earthy sweetness of molasses and a touch of vegetable oil for softness. Designed to stretch pantry staples without sacrificing flavor, War Bread boasts a dense yet tender texture that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or a simple spread of butter. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for home bakers looking to create a piece of culinary history. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate whole grains into your diet. Bake this golden loaf and enjoy a slice of tradition with every bite!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oatmeal, and salt. Mix well to create a consistent dry mixture.
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in 1/4 cup of the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Once the yeast is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the remaining 1 cup of lukewarm water, molasses, and oil.
Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a roughly oval loaf. Place it onto a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, or into a greased loaf tin, depending on your preference.
Cover the loaf with the towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place until slightly puffed.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the loaf has risen, bake it 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 on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Calories |
1838 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.9 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2389 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 356.7 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.0 g | ||
| Protein | 53.5 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 20.9 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 1768 mg | 38% | |
*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.