Whole Wheat Bread on the Lighter Side

Discover the wholesome goodness of "Whole Wheat Bread on the Lighter Side," a soft and flavorful homemade loaf that strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence. Crafted with hearty whole wheat flour, a touch of honey for natural sweetness, and a modest amount of olive oil, this bread is surprisingly light and airy while still packed with nutritional benefits. Milk adds a subtle richness, while optional toppings like rolled oats or sesame seeds lend delightful texture and visual appeal. With easy-to-follow steps including kneading and two rises for a beautifully tender crumb, this recipe yields a golden-brown loaf ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious yet comforting homemade bread experience, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 3.5 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 0.5 cups Milk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons Optional: Rolled oats or sesame seeds (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of whole wheat flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture, olive oil, and milk. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 0.5 cups of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 6

Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Optionally, brush the top with a little water or milk and sprinkle with rolled oats or sesame seeds.

Step 7

Cover the loaf with the damp cloth again and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 10

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(936.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1920.9

Total Fat 38.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 10mg	0%
Sodium 2436.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 356.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.8g	0%
Total Sugars 42.6g
Protein 64.7g	0%

Vitamin D 62IU	0%
Calcium 306.6mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 2093.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.1%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 70.2%