Hearty Whole Wheat Artisan Bread
This Hearty Whole Wheat Artisan Bread is the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor. Made entirely with 100% whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with honey, this bread is wholesome and satisfying. Its soft texture and rich, nutty flavor make it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. The dough is easy to work with, thanks to the incorporation of instant yeast which ensures a reliable rise. With a beautiful golden crust and a tender crumb, this bread will become a staple in your home. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe yields one loaf that can serve up to 16 people, providing a delicious option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant Yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons (dissolved in 2 tablespoons warm water)
Water
1 1/3 cups
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup
Honey (or Molasses or Maple Syrup)
1/4 cup
King Arthur Traditional Whole Wheat Flour
3 1/2 cups
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dissolved instant yeast, water, vegetable oil, and honey. Stir until well mixed.
2
Gradually add the whole wheat flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3
Transfer the dough onto a lightly greased work surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes by hand, or use an electric mixer or food processor for kneading. The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky.
4
Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until puffy, approximately 60 minutes.
5
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to an oiled work surface. Shape the dough into an 8-inch log.
6
Place the shaped log into a lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely with greased plastic wrap and let it rise for an additional hour, or until it has crowned about 1 inch above the pan's edge.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the second rise, bake the bread for approximately 40 minutes, removing the wrap after 20 minutes and tenting with foil to prevent over-browning.
8
To check for doneness, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and thump the bottom—it should sound hollow. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center registers at least 190°F (88°C).
9
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. For storage, keep the bread in a plastic bag at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Whole Wheat Artisan Bread?
It is a nutritious, 100% whole wheat bread naturally sweetened with honey, featuring a soft texture and nutty flavor.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 1/2 cups of King Arthur Traditional Whole Wheat Flour.
Is this bread naturally sweetened?
Yes, the bread is naturally sweetened with honey, though molasses or maple syrup can also be used.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
One loaf of this whole wheat bread yields approximately 16 servings.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
How should the yeast be prepared before mixing?
The instant yeast should be dissolved in 2 tablespoons of warm water before being added to the other ingredients.
What liquids are required for the dough?
The dough requires 1 1/3 cups of water and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes by hand, or until it feels smooth and slightly tacky.
Can I use a machine to knead the dough?
Yes, you can use an electric mixer or a food processor to knead the dough instead of doing it by hand.
How long is the first rise?
The dough should rise in a warm area for approximately 60 minutes until it becomes puffy.
How should the dough be shaped?
After the first rise, transfer the dough to an oiled surface and shape it into an 8-inch log.
What size loaf pan is needed for this recipe?
An 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan that has been lightly greased is required.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise takes about one hour.
How do I know when the second rise is complete?
The dough is ready for the oven once it has crowned about 1 inch above the edge of the loaf pan.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The bread should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bread need to bake?
The total baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
When should I remove the plastic wrap during baking?
The greased plastic wrap should be removed after the first 20 minutes of baking.
Why should I tent the bread with foil?
Tenting the bread with foil after 20 minutes prevents the crust from over-browning while the center finishes cooking.
How can I test for doneness without a thermometer?
You can remove the loaf from the pan and thump the bottom; if it sounds hollow, the bread is done.
What internal temperature indicates the bread is finished?
Using an instant-read thermometer, the center of the loaf should register at least 190°F (88°C).
Where should the bread cool after baking?
The bread should be placed on a wire rack to cool completely before you attempt to slice it.
How should I store the leftover bread?
Store the bread in a plastic bag at room temperature.
What are the ideal uses for this artisan bread?
Its soft texture and nutty flavor make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with butter.
Is the dough sticky during preparation?
The dough should feel smooth and only slightly tacky once it has been properly kneaded.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup of honey with an equal amount of molasses or maple syrup.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
Should the dough be covered during the first rise?
Yes, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep it warm and protected.
What is the appearance of the finished loaf?
The bread features a beautiful golden crust and a tender crumb.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option made with 100% whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners.
Can I use a regular work surface for shaping?
It is recommended to use a lightly greased or oiled work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.