Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This 7-grain bread machine recipe is your answer! Forget those bland, store-bought loaves. This recipe delivers a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly delicious loaf of homemade bread, all with minimal effort thanks to your trusty bread machine. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend bake, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 7-grain blend (check the bulk section of your grocery store for a variety of options)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the yeast activate properly and contributes to a better rise. Warm the water to the correct temperature—too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate effectively.
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Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: This is where the magic of your bread machine comes in! Add the warm water to the bread pan, followed by the olive oil, honey, and salt. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid.
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Incorporate the Flours and Grains: Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, 7-grain blend, and rolled oats to the bread machine pan. Finally, pour in the milk.
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Select the Dough Cycle: Choose the dough cycle on your bread machine. This setting will knead the dough thoroughly and allow for a preliminary rise. Consult your machine's manual for specific instructions on the dough cycle, as timings vary between models.
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Bake the Bread: Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly greased loaf pan (if needed, depending on your bread machine). Select the bake cycle on your machine. This setting will bake the bread until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy: After the baking cycle, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the internal structure to set and prevents a soggy loaf.
Tips and Variations:
- For a chewier loaf: Add an extra ¼ cup of whole wheat flour.
- Add nuts and seeds: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor. Add them with the 7-grain blend.
- Experiment with different grains: Feel free to substitute part of the 7-grain blend with other grains such as quinoa flakes or barley.
- Make it sweeter: Increase the honey or maple syrup to adjust to your preference.
- Adjust water: You may need to adjust the water quantity depending on your flour and the humidity in your area. Keep a close eye on the dough consistency and add a teaspoon of water at a time if the dough seems too dry.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on the specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This delicious 7-grain bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. It's a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal, making it a great option for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread made with ease!