Are you ready to bake the most delicious, wholesome loaf of bread you've ever tasted? Forget those bland, store-bought loaves! This KitchenAid bread recipe, using whole wheat flour, is a game-changer. It's surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, and the incredible aroma filling your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible. Get ready for perfectly crusty outsides and a soft, chewy interior – this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In the bowl of your KitchenAid stand mixer (or a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine warm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar). Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
Mixing the Dough:
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour and 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing with the dough hook attachment (or a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the salt.
- Continue kneading with the dough hook (or by hand on a lightly floured surface) for another 5-7 minutes, adding more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic but not sticky.
First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise:
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf.
- Place the shaped dough in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents a soggy bottom and allows the crust to crisp up beautifully.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: This ensures the best rise and flavor.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
- Let it cool completely: This is crucial for the best texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Add seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds into the dough for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use different grains: Experiment with rye flour, spelt flour, or a combination of different flours.
- Sweeten it up: Add a touch of cinnamon and raisins for a sweeter loaf.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and slice size. Consult an online nutritional calculator for a precise analysis using your specific ingredient quantities. However, expect this recipe to provide a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.
This delicious whole wheat bread is a perfect addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It’s a versatile recipe for both quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, and the satisfying aroma and taste are truly unbeatable. Enjoy!