There’s something undeniably special about baking your own bread. The smell wafting through the house, the satisfaction of slicing into a fresh loaf, and the taste—oh, the taste! Whole wheat bread made at home is a prime example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. When you add just a touch of white flour for texture and rise, a drizzle of honey for sweetness and depth, and a dollop of butter for richness, the result is a loaf that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Unlike store-bought bread, which often relies on preservatives and additives to extend shelf life, homemade bread is free from questionable ingredients. Many commercial breads include substances like calcium propionate or potassium sorbate—preservatives that some studies suggest may have adverse health effects when consumed in large quantities. By baking at home, you sidestep these concerns entirely, opting instead for wholesome ingredients you can pronounce and trust.
It’s true that homemade bread doesn’t have the extended shelf life of its store-bought counterparts. Without preservatives, a loaf of homemade bread will typically last a few days before it starts to dry out or develop mold. But this is a small trade-off for the unparalleled taste and peace of mind that come with knowing exactly what’s in your food. Plus, you can always freeze extra loaves or slices to keep them fresh for longer.
The flavor of fresh-baked whole wheat bread is incomparable. Store-bought loaves, even the so-called “artisan” ones, often taste flat and overly processed. In contrast, homemade bread is like a good home-cooked meal—it has character, warmth, and a sense of care that no factory assembly line can replicate. Eating it is an experience: the subtle sweetness of honey, the nutty depth of whole wheat, and the luxurious softness that comes from just enough butter all combine to create a loaf that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Baking bread at home is more than just cooking; it’s an act of love. Whether you’re serving it with soup, slathering it with jam, or simply enjoying it warm from the oven with a pat of butter, homemade whole wheat bread elevates any meal. It’s a simple reminder of the joys of real, unprocessed food—and a powerful argument for keeping your bread-baking routine alive. So, the next time you’re tempted by a loaf at the supermarket, remember this: the best bread isn’t found on a shelf. It’s made in your own kitchen.
Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients
Step 1 (See Instructions)
- 3 Cups White Flour
- 3 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 3 Cups Warm Water ~110° F
Step 2
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 3 Tablespoon Melted Butter
- 5 to 5 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
Instructions
- Add flour, yeast, honey, and warm water to countertop mixer. Let proof for up to 30 minutes, bubbles should be formed.
- Turn mixer on, and add salt, butter, and slowly mix in 5 cups of whole wheat flour. Add in additional 1/2 cup flour as needed, until not real sticky - just pulling away from the bowl, but still sticky to touch; mix approximately 8 minutes.
- Shape dough into a ball and put in lightly greased mixing bowl. Turn dough to coat in oil and cover with clean tea towel. Let rise in a warm, draft free area until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
- Punch down, shape into flatted ball, cut into 2, 3, or 4 equal chunks (use a scale to get even sizing):For 9x5 loaf pans, make 2 loaves (approximately 2 lbs each). For 8x4 loaf pans, make 3 or 4 loaves (approximately 1 to 1⅓ lbs each).
- Shape each chunk into loaves, rise in lightly greased loaf pans for about 45 minutes. About 30 minutes into second rise, preheat oven to 350°F
- For 4 loaves, bake for 25 minutes.For 3 loaves, bake for 30 minutes.For 2 loaves, bake for 35 minutes.Bread should reach an interal temperature of 190-200°F.
- Remove from oven and cool in pans for 5 minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
- Package into preferred bags. For a soft crust, let cool for 20 minutes, then place as many loaves as you wish into a plastic bread bag, and leave the ends open for 30 minutes to 1 hour before closing.
Notes
Nutrition
Authentic Recipes
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