Simple Whole Wheat Bread

This honey whole wheat bread recipe is proof that wonderful flavor, texture, and aroma can be had if you just follow a straightforward game plan.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 134 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 cups bread flour
• ⅔ cup honey, divided
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
• 4 cups whole wheat flour, or more as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey in a large bowl to dissolve. Add 5 cups bread flour, and stir to combine. Let sit for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

Step 2

Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, remaining 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Transfer dough to a floured work surface and gradually knead in remaining 2 cups whole wheat flour. Knead until dough starts to pull away from the work surface, adding more whole wheat flour if necessary; dough should be a bit tacky to the touch, but not too sticky.

Step 3

Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 4

Grease three 9x5-inch loaf pans. Punch down the dough, and divide it into 3 loaves. Place in the prepared loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch, another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 6

Bake the risen loaves in the preheated oven until golden brown for 25 to 30 minutes, do not overbake.

Step 7

Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely.