Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but intimidated by the idea of kneading and proofing? Then this wheat bread bread machine recipe is for you! Forget complicated techniques and messy countertops – this recipe delivers a delicious, wholesome loaf with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking. It's one of the easiest recipes for a healthy, homemade meal. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup wheat bran (optional, for added fiber and texture)
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to go. Grease the pan lightly with cooking spray or oil if your machine doesn't have a non-stick coating.
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Combine ingredients: Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to the bread machine pan. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the olive oil, salt, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and wheat bran (if using) to the bread machine pan.
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Select the setting: Choose the "wheat" or "whole wheat" setting on your bread machine. If your machine doesn't have a specific wheat setting, choose the basic setting with a longer kneading and rising time.
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Start the machine: Close the lid and press start. Let the machine do its work! This is one of the best recipes that takes the hard work out of homemade cooking.
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Remove and cool: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Use fresh yeast: Old yeast can result in a flat loaf. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Don't over-flour: Add flour only if the dough seems too sticky. Too much flour will result in a dry loaf.
- Adjust the hydration: If your bread is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water next time. If it's too wet, reduce the water slightly.
- Experiment with additions: Try adding seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax), nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. This is a versatile recipe, letting you explore different delicious dishes.
Variations:
- Honey Wheat Bread: Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweeter loaf.
- Herb Wheat Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
This delicious and easy wheat bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade cooking, creating a healthy and delicious addition to your daily meals. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying loaf with your favorite soups, salads, or simply on its own with some butter! This recipe is a great addition to anyone’s list of best recipes.