Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread for Beginners
Rustic, nutty, and irresistibly soft, this whole wheat sandwich bread is a beginner's dream with a golden crust and tender crumb.
Total: 50 minPrep: 15 minCook: 35 min1 loaf (16 slices)Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Steps
- 1 In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- 2 In a separate bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, softened butter, and egg until smooth.
- 3 Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4 Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 5 Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 6 Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- 7 Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- 8 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 9 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- 10 Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
Variations
- Add 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or flaxseeds to the dough for extra texture.
- Swap out 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour for rolled oats.
Substitutions
- If you don't have whole wheat flour, use all-purpose flour, though the texture will be lighter.
- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a vegan option.
Pairings
- Perfect with soups or stews.
- Great alongside a spread of cheeses and charcuterie.
Nutrition
Calories:
150 kcal
Fat:
3g fat
Carbs:
25g carbohydrates
Protein:
5g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
2g sugar
Sodium:
200mg sodium
Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.
- Keep an eye on the bread while baking to ensure it doesn't over-brown.
Storage
Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature wrapped in foil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy avocado and sliced tomatoes for a simple sandwich.
- Toast and slather with butter for a hearty breakfast.
FAQ
Can I use bread flour instead?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give your loaf an even chewier texture.
How do I know if my yeast is active?
Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it gets frothy, it's good to go.