Whole Wheat Hero

Elevate your homemade bread game with the wholesome and satisfying "Whole Wheat Hero"! This rustic bread recipe combines the nutty richness of whole wheat flour with the lightness provided by added vital wheat gluten, creating a perfectly soft and airy loaf with a touch of chewiness. Sweetened naturally with honey and enriched with olive oil, this bread boasts a subtle complexity of flavor that's perfect for everything from hearty sandwiches to simple slices slathered with butter. With a total prep and bake time under two hours, including two gentle rises, the process is straightforward and rewarding—even for beginners. Packed with fiber and all-natural ingredients, the Whole Wheat Hero is not just nutritious, but also a versatile staple you'll want to bake again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Vital wheat gluten

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast is frothy and activated.

Step 2

Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Step 3

In another bowl, mix together whole wheat flour and vital wheat gluten. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a dough begins to form.

Step 4

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 5

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it over to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough to release air and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Step 7

Shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 8

Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising a second time.

Step 10

Once risen, slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife to create steam vents, and place the baking sheet in the oven.

Step 11

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(942.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2088.2

Total Fat 37.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3576.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 388.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 60.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 78.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 188.9mg	0%
Iron 19.9mg	0%
Potassium 2170.6mg	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: 15.3%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 70.5%