Bake the Best Homemade Wheat Bread: An Easy & Wholesome Recipe for Your Kitchen

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. For many of us, baking bread is more than just a task; it’s a therapeutic process that culminates in a truly delicious reward. If you share this passion, you know the joy of pulling a warm, golden-brown loaf from the oven. While classic white bread has its place, it can sometimes feel a bit uninspiring. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for new, more flavorful, and often healthier bread recipes to add to my repertoire.

Recently, my quest led me to a fantastic recipe from Oly Momma’s blog, and I knew instantly that I had to try it. What made it even more appealing was the note that her husband usually makes it. Now, no offense to the amazing men who excel in the kitchen, but that often signals an easy-to-follow recipe—and indeed, this one lived up to that expectation. It’s truly a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results.

Why Homemade Wheat Bread is a Game-Changer

Switching from store-bought to homemade bread, especially whole wheat, brings a multitude of benefits. Beyond the undeniable freshness and superior taste, you gain complete control over the ingredients, avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugars often found in commercial loaves. Homemade wheat bread offers a healthier alternative, packed with fiber and essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.

This particular wheat bread recipe is a standout. It delivers a rich, full-bodied flavor without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance that complements any meal. Furthermore, it’s a wonderfully dense bread, making it ideal for slicing thinly—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside a hearty soup. The texture is substantial and satisfying, a delightful departure from lighter, airier loaves.

Even my son, who can sometimes be particular about “healthy” foods, absolutely loved this bread. I don’t think he even realized it was packed with wholesome goodness. He devoured most of the loaf within just two days, which is the highest compliment any baker can receive! It’s a testament to how genuinely delicious and appealing this wheat bread is for everyone, regardless of their usual bread preferences.

Mastering the Art of Wheat Bread Baking

Baking bread might seem intimidating to some, but this recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The key lies in understanding a few fundamental steps and paying attention to your ingredients. Our adaptation of Oly Momma’s recipe focuses on clear instructions and achievable results, ensuring that you can confidently create a beautiful and tasty loaf every time.

Wholesome Wheat Bread Recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups water
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
2 cups wheat flour
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

Activate the Yeast Mixture: Either on the stove in a saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the water, butter, brown sugar, and salt together until the mixture reaches a temperature of 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit (43-46°C). Ensure the butter is completely melted. This specific temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
Combine Initial Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (preferably stand mixer bowl), combine 2 cups of flour (you can use either the wheat flour or all-purpose flour here, though starting with some wheat flour helps integrate it) and the active dry yeast. Pour the warm water mixture into the flour mixture. Using a paddle attachment on your stand mixer, mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined and a thick batter forms.
Knead the Dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment. Begin adding the remaining flour (2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, or the remaining 2 cups wheat flour if you started with all-purpose) half a cup at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding more. Continue mixing until the dough comes together, forms a smooth ball, and appears elastic. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes of kneading in a stand mixer. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough ball into the greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl loosely with a light, clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 90 minutes.
Shape the Loaf: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to handle. After resting, form the dough into a traditional loaf shape.
Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan loosely with greased plastic wrap (I often use cooking spray on the plastic wrap to prevent sticking). Allow the loaf to rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. This second rise contributes to the bread’s light texture.
Bake and Cool: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Bake the bread for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully cover the top of the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing warm bread can lead to a gummy texture, so patience is key!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Oly Momma via ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Perfect Wheat Bread Every Time

Even with an easy recipe, a few extra tips can make all the difference in achieving bread-baking perfection:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off rather than scooping directly, which can compact it.
Yeast is Alive: Ensure your yeast is fresh. If your yeast doesn’t foam slightly after mixing with the warm water, butter, brown sugar, and salt, it might be inactive, and your bread won’t rise.
Warm Environment for Rising: A warm, draft-free spot is crucial for optimal rising. You can create one by turning your oven on for a few minutes, then turning it off and letting the dough rise inside (with the door slightly ajar), or simply placing the bowl in a sunny spot.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is a virtue in bread baking. Don’t shorten the rising times; the yeast needs adequate time to work its magic.
Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into your warm loaf immediately. Cooling completely on a wire rack allows the internal structure of the bread to set, preventing a gummy texture.
Storage: Store your homemade wheat bread at room temperature in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread; it toasts beautifully from frozen.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Wheat Bread

This wholesome wheat bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it in countless ways:

Classic Toast: Slathered with butter, jam, or your favorite spread for breakfast.
Hearty Sandwiches: Its dense texture holds up perfectly to substantial fillings.
Accompaniment to Meals: Serve it alongside soups, stews, or salads.
Bruschetta or Crostini: Lightly toast thin slices and top with savory ingredients.
Garlic Bread: A simple yet delicious transformation for any pasta night.

Explore More Homemade Bread Recipes

If you love the satisfaction of baking your own bread, we have plenty more delightful recipes to expand your baking skills and fill your home with wonderful aromas. Try these other fan favorites:

Buttery Soft Pretzels: Perfect for snacking or parties, these pretzels are wonderfully soft with a classic salty exterior.

Easy White Bread: A fundamental recipe for a truly simple and tasty white loaf, great for beginners and everyday use.

Potato Bread: Made with instant potato flakes, this recipe yields an incredibly moist and tender loaf without waiting for leftover mashed potatoes.

Light and Fluffy Dinner Rolls: The perfect accompaniment to any meal, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Garlic Knots: Savory, garlicky, and utterly addictive, these knots are a delicious side for Italian dishes or a fantastic snack on their own.

A Personal Note: Remembering Joan

Post script: It’s important to share a personal and poignant note about Joan, the founder of ChocolateChocolateandmore.com, who sadly passed away in her sleep on October 22, 2015. She went to bed feeling nauseous, which is one of the key signs of heart attacks in women, and tragically, never woke up. This serves as a vital reminder for all of us: please take the time to learn the signs of a heart attack in women, as they often differ from those in men. If you have high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or experience symptoms like nausea, do not dismiss them as just the flu or indigestion. Seek medical attention promptly.

Joan made it very clear that she wanted her work and her blog’s mission to continue in the event of her death. Her dedicated family and fellow bloggers are working tirelessly to keep Joan’s dream alive, sharing delicious recipes and inspiring home cooks. In the days following her passing, Joan’s community of fellow bloggers launched a heartfelt Twitter campaign with hashtags like #ChocolateForJoan and #chocolateeverydamnday. We sincerely hope you’ll join us in honoring Joan’s memory by indulging in a little chocolate every day, celebrating her sweet legacy and the joy she brought to so many through her culinary creations.

Baking homemade wheat bread is a rewarding experience, offering not just a delicious loaf but also the satisfaction of creating something wholesome and nourishing from scratch. Give this recipe a try, and taste the difference of freshly baked bread!