Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but intimidated by the idea of kneading and proofing? Fear not! This multigrain bread machine recipe is your shortcut to homemade deliciousness. It's unbelievably easy, requires minimal effort, and results in a wonderfully textured, nutritious loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade, healthy, and quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup multigrain cereal (rolled oats, wheat berries, etc.)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind works)
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to go. Most machines have a specific order for adding ingredients – consult your machine’s manual to be sure. Generally, liquids are added first.
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Combine the wet ingredients: In your bread machine pan, combine the warm water, yeast, honey (or sugar), salt, and olive oil.
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Add the dry ingredients: Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, multigrain cereal, rolled oats, and milk to the bread machine pan.
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Select the setting: Choose the appropriate setting on your bread machine. Most machines have a basic "white bread" or "multigrain" setting.
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Let the machine do the work: Press start and let the bread machine do its magic! You'll have a freshly baked loaf ready in just a few hours, depending on your machine's settings. Enjoy the wonderful smell filling your kitchen!
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Cool and serve: Once the bread cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the crust to crisp up and the inside to firm.
Tips for the Best Multigrain Bread:
- Water temperature is key: Ensure the water is the correct temperature – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will prevent proper activation.
- Fresh yeast works best: Using fresh yeast will provide the best results.
- Don’t over-mix: Over-mixing can result in a tough loaf. The bread machine does the mixing, so just add the ingredients and let it do its job.
- Adjust the ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different types of grains and seeds to personalize your loaf. Add flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or even dried cranberries!
- Store properly: Store your homemade multigrain bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a delightful crunch.
- Spiced up: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm and aromatic loaf.
- Herbs and cheese: Experiment with adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or shredded cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice – approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and the size of your loaf. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients. Generally, multigrain bread is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.
This easy multigrain bread machine recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade touch without spending hours in the kitchen. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the rewarding experience of creating something delicious and nutritious from scratch!