Whole Wheat French Bread
Experience the wholesome goodness of homemade Whole Wheat French Bread, the perfect blend of rustic charm and heart-healthy ingredients. This recipe swaps traditional white flour for nutrient-rich whole wheat, creating a loaf with a deep, nutty flavor and a delightfully chewy texture. A touch of honey adds a hint of natural sweetness, while a drizzle of olive oil enhances the dough's softness. With just a few simple steps—like kneading, rising, and shaping—you can replicate the classic French bread look with a healthier twist. Whether served warm with butter, as a base for hearty sandwiches, or alongside your favorite soups, this homemade bread is a versatile addition to any meal. Plus, with minimal prep time and a golden crust that's irresistibly aromatic, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 cups Whole wheat flour
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour (optional, for kneading)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (using all-purpose flour if needed to prevent sticking) and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into a long, slender loaf to mimic the classic French bread shape.
Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, make a few diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf to allow it to expand while baking.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
142 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.8 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 245 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 121 mg | 3% | |
*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.
