Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
Bake a loaf of soft, hearty, and wonderfully nutty 100% whole wheat bread right in your own kitchen. This vegan recipe is packed with fiber from oat bran and psyllium, making it the perfect healthy base for your favorite sandwiches.
For 8 servings
Activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, maple syrup, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
TIPIf the yeast doesn't foam, it may be old. It's best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure your bread rises properly.Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat bran, psyllium husk powder, and salt.
Form and knead the dough.
- Pour the foamy yeast mixture and the olive oil into the dry ingredients.
- Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will be slightly sticky.
TIPIf using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead on low speed for 6-8 minutes.Let the dough rise.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil.
- Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaf.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rectangle about 8 inches wide.
- Roll the rectangle up tightly into a log.
- Pinch the seam and the ends to seal.
- Place the log, seam-side down, into a greased 8.5x4.5 inch loaf pan.
Complete the second rise.
Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. While it rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
Cool the bread completely.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the loaf out onto a wire rack.
- Let it cool completely before slicing, which can take about 2 hours.
TIPSlicing bread while it's still warm can result in a gummy texture. Patience is key for the perfect slice!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your water is warm, not hot. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising.
- 2Whole wheat dough can be stickier than white flour dough. Resist adding too much extra flour while kneading, as this can make the bread dense.
- 3For a softer crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- 4This bread freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, slice the loaf and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Replace 1/4 cup of the whole wheat flour with vital wheat gluten. This will increase the protein content and give the bread a chewier texture.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Increase the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon for a slightly sweeter loaf that's more appealing to children.
healthyHealthy
For added texture and omega-3s, mix in 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts into the dough.
quickQuick
Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and may experience slightly shorter rise times.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
With whole wheat, oat bran, and psyllium husk, this bread provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full longer.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from whole grains are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy without spiking blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with olive oil, this bread contains monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's made with 100% whole wheat flour and fortified with oat bran and psyllium husk, making it exceptionally high in dietary fiber, which is great for digestion. It's also vegan and made with heart-healthy olive oil.