Soft 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
Ingredients
- 6 to 6½ cups whole wheat flour*
- 2½ cups warm water
between 105-110 degrees
- 1½ tablespoons instant active dry yeast
OR regular active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup oil**
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ tablespoons vital wheat gluten)
OPTIONAL (I don't use this anymore
Directions
- 1
Combine water, yeast and 2 cups of the flour in a mixing bowl. Set aside to sponge for 15-20 minutes, until risen and bubbly (warmer weather takes 15 min, cooler temps usually needs 20).
- 2
Add honey, oil, salt, (plus gluten, if using), and 4 cups of flour. Mix until dough starts to clean sides of bowl. Change to dough hook (or turn out to knead by hand), and knead 6 to 7 minutes (10 by hand). Add only a few tablespoons of flour at a time if dough sticks to sides, being careful not to add too much.
- 3
Form into two loaves and place in greased 9x5 pans (or 8.5x4.5 inch pans for a better rise). Allow to rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, until 1/2 to 1-inch above pans (you may need 15-30 minutes longer if your kitchen is cold, but don't over rise or the loaf will fall when baked). Preheat oven to 350 degrees ten minutes before rising time is done.
- 4
Bake for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through if needed.
- 5
Immediately remove from pans to cool on a rack. Allow to completely cool before slicing.***
Soft 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
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About this Recipe
Tired of dense, crumbly whole wheat loaves from the store? Imagine slicing into a genuinely soft 100% whole wheat sandwich bread made right in your kitchen, perfect for your favorite fillings. This easy recipe promises to deliver a tender, wholesome loaf that will make you ditch the bakery aisle for good.
What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious simplicity and remarkable results. Unlike many whole wheat bread recipes that demand extensive proofing, this one requires only one rise, streamlining the baking process significantly. This focused rising period, combined with carefully balanced ingredients like honey and oil, ensures a consistently soft crumb, defying the common perception that whole wheat bread must be heavy or dry.
Prepare for the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread to fill your home. You'll enjoy a rich, wholesome flavor that only 100% whole wheat flour can provide, but with an unexpected tenderness. Each slice boasts a fine, pliable texture, making it ideal for everything from classic lunch sandwiches to morning toast. This is not just whole wheat bread; it's a soft, satisfying experience that stands tall against any white bread, offering pure, unadulterated homemade goodness.
This recipe is forgiving and adaptable to your pantry. If you only have regular active dry yeast, feel free to use it in place of instant active dry yeast; the results will be just as delightful. While the recipe originally included vital wheat gluten, you'll find that it's no longer a necessity for achieving that coveted soft texture, allowing you to omit it if you prefer or don't have it on hand. For a slightly different sweetness profile, you could experiment with other liquid sweeteners, though honey contributes uniquely to the bread's texture and flavor.
This versatile whole wheat bread is truly a staple. It's the perfect foundation for hearty sandwiches, providing a sturdy yet soft base for all your favorite fillings, from deli meats to fresh vegetables. Enjoy it toasted with butter and jam for a simple breakfast, or as an accompaniment to a warming bowl of soup for a comforting meal.