I love how my 100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe combines 110°F water, honey, and olive oil with wholesome wheat flour and yeast to create a delightful artisan loaf. I embrace the process as I craft this truly authentic recipe, perfect for novices seeking a healthier twist on everyday baked bread.

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I recently discovered a way to make the best homemade whole wheat bread that’s perfect for beginners like me. I mean, who doesn’t love a healthy and tasty loaf?

Using 1 1/4 cups of warm water (about 110°F), 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons olive oil gives the dough a great start. I mix these with 3 cups of 100% whole wheat flour (plus a bit extra for dusting), add 1 tablespoon active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Watching the dough rise and transform is so satisfying, even if mine sometimes don’t look perfect! This recipe is one of those easy whole wheat bread recipes that makes you feel like you’re creating something rustic yet modern.

It really takes the guesswork out of baking, making it ideal for a quick healthy treat. I promise, once you try this Best Whole Wheat Bread recipe, you wont want to change your grocery store routine again.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how simple and easy it is to follow this recipe, even if I mess up a bit sometimes. The steps are clear enough that I can make bread without stressing too much.
2. I appreciate that it’s made with healthy stuff like whole wheat flour and honey, which makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body.
3. I love the homey feel of making it from scratch – kneading the dough and watching it rise fills my kitchen with an awesome, natural aroma that reminds me of happy family times.

Ingredients

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Water: helps dissolve ingredients and activates yeast for a good dough rise.
Honey: adds natural sweetness, improves browning, and gives energy to the yeast.
Olive Oil: infuses a rich flavor, tenderizes the dough, and has healthy fats.
Whole Wheat Flour: packed with fiber and nutrients that support digestion and energy.
Yeast: makes the dough rise, creates a lovely tang, and gives the bread body.
Salt: boosts flavor, controls yeast growth, and balances out the natural sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F)

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups 100% whole wheat flour, plus a bit more for dusting

1 tablespoon active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

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1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm water and honey until the honey is mostly dissolved then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks a bit frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.

3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour in the olive oil and mix it in.

4. Add the liquid mix to the flour and stir until you get a rough dough. If it’s too dry, add a splash more water.

5. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes until it gets smooth and elastic.

6. Grease a clean bowl with a little olive oil, put your dough in there, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 to
1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Form it into a loaf by shaping it on a floured surface then put it into a greased loaf pan.

8. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes until you see it start to expand over the top of the pan.

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake your loaf for about 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool a bit in the pan before transferring it to a rack. Enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread when its cooled enough to slice!

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups for the water and other liquid ingredients
2. Measuring spoons for the honey, olive oil, yeast and salt
3. A medium bowl to whisk together warm water and honey
4. A whisk to help dissolve the honey
5. A large mixing bowl for combining the flour and salt
6. A sturdy spoon or spatula to stir the dough
7. A clean, lightly floured surface for kneading the dough by hand
8. A greased bowl for letting the dough rise, along with a towel to cover it
9. A loaf pan to shape the dough before baking
10. An oven preheated to 375°F for baking the bread
11. A cooling rack to let the bread cool properly after it comes out of the oven

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

A: Sure, you can use canola or vegetable oil if you dont have olive oil on hand. They work just fine, though the flavor might change a bit.

Q: Do I really need to use warm water at 110°F?

A: Yeah, its pretty important since the yeast activates best around that temperature. If its too cold the bread may not rise properly.

Q: How long should I let the dough rise?

A: It usually takes about 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles, but it also depends on your room temps. So keep an eye on it.

Q: Can I add extra ingredients like seeds into the dough?

A: Totally, feel free to mix in flaxseeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture. Just toss them in with the dry ingredients.

Q: How do I store the leftover bread?

A: Wrap it in a cloth or store in an airtight container. It does best at room temperature and usually stays fresh for 2-3 days.

Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Warm water: Instead of water you can try using warm milk, but keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor and texture.
Honey: If you dont have honey, consider using sugar or agave nectar as a substitute.
Olive oil: You can replace olive oil with melted butter or any other vegetable oil when needed.
Whole wheat flour: Instead of using 100% whole wheat flour, you might mix half whole wheat with half all-purpose flour to get a lighter loaf.
Active dry yeast: If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast as a swap, just use about 25 percent more.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water isnt too hot; if it’s above the right temperature the yeast might get killed and your bread won’t rise properly.

2. If your dough feels too sticky after mixing, sprinkle on a bit more flour slowly while kneading so it gets that smooth, elastic feel.

3. Let your dough rise in a warm spot – if your room is chilly try placing it by a warm window or even in an off oven to help it double in size nicely.

4. Once your bread comes out of the oven, let it cool down a little bit before slicing. This helps set the crumb and makes it easier to cut without squishing.