Whole-Grain Bread with Butter
A hearty, rustic loaf with a nutty flavor and soft crumb, made completely from scratch. Each slice is lightly spread with creamy butter, making it perfect for breakfast or alongside a bowl of soup. The aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen is simply unbeatable.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Proof the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and fragrant.
TIPWater must be between 105°F and 115°F. Too hot kills the yeast, too cold won't activate it. - mix · ~2 min
Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- knead · ~10 min
Form and knead the dough.
1.Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients.2.Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.3.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic.TIPWhole wheat dough will be slightly tacky but should not be sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it's too wet. - rest · ~60 min
Let the dough rise until doubled.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
TIPPress two fingers into the dough. If the indentations remain, it's ready. - prep · ~30 min
Shape the loaf and second rise.
1.Gently punch down the risen dough to release the gas.2.Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log.3.Place the log seam-side down into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.4.Cover with the towel and let rise again for 30 minutes, until the dough crowns about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. - bake · ~35 min
Bake the whole-grain bread.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaf on the center rack for 30-35 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
TIPRotate the pan halfway through for even browning. - rest · ~60 min
Cool the bread completely.
Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy interior.
TIPSlicing warm bread is tempting but will compress the crumb. Patience pays off with perfect slices. - assemble
Slice and serve with butter.
Cut the bread into 8 even slices. Spread each slice with a generous pat of softened butter and serve immediately, or toast lightly for a crispier texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Weigh your flours for accuracy; 1 cup whole wheat flour is about 120g, all-purpose about 125g.
- 2If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on (door ajar).
- 3Use a digital thermometer to check doneness: bread is done at an internal temp of 190-200°F.
- 4Store cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or slice and freeze for up to a month.
- 5To revive day-old bread, sprinkle lightly with water and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- 6For a softer crust, brush the hot loaf with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seeded whole-grain
Add ¼ cup each of sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and sesame seeds to the dry ingredients for extra texture, healthy fats, and a nuttier flavor.
oat & honeyOat & honey
Replace ½ cup of whole wheat flour with rolled oats and increase honey to 3 tablespoons for a softer, slightly sweeter loaf.
veganVegan
Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and skip the butter on top, using a drizzle of olive oil instead.
herb & garlicHerb & garlic
Fold 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme and 2 minced garlic cloves into the dough during kneading for a savory loaf ideal with soups.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Made primarily with whole wheat flour, this bread provides dietary fiber that supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Source of Complex Carbohydrates
Whole grains deliver long-lasting energy, making this bread a satisfying base for meals or a wholesome snack.
Lower in Added Sugar
With only 2 tablespoons of honey sweetening the entire loaf, each slice contains minimal added sugar compared to commercial sandwich breads.
No Preservatives
Baked from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, this bread is free from artificial preservatives, dough conditioners, and stabilizers.
Frequently asked questions
Your yeast may be expired, or the water was too hot or cold. Check the expiration date and ensure water is 105-115°F. Also, a cold kitchen slows rise; move the bowl to a warm spot.
