Making bread at home can feel like a daunting task, but this Easy Homemade Soft Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread makes it approachable and rewarding. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen is simply incomparable, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade bread. Whether you’re preparing sandwiches for a busy week’s lunch, hosting a family brunch, or just indulging your baking passion, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between health and flavor, making it a staple you’ll want to return to time and again.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This easy homemade sandwich bread is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Whole wheat flour offers a nutty flavor and adds nutritional benefits, while honey provides natural sweetness that perfectly complements the bread’s texture. Plus, the combination of active dry yeast and warm water makes for a delightful rise, resulting in a soft, airy loaf every time. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying its fresh-from-the-oven warmth, this bread deserves a prominent place in your kitchen!

“This is the bread my family craves now! It’s soft and just the right amount of sweet. The kids love it for sandwiches, and I love knowing it’s healthier than store-bought options!” – Karen T.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

To prepare this easy homemade soft whole wheat sandwich bread, start with a few simple steps. You will create a lovely dough that will rise to perfection. The process might seem complicated, but you’ll find that with each rise, the excitement builds as you anticipate the final product. Here’s how it goes: you will mix together a warm liquid, dry ingredients, and then combine them in your mixing bowl for a perfect dough. Get ready for some kneading action, a couple of rises, and finally, into the oven it goes!

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this easy recipe is a breeze! Here’s everything you’ll need to make your homemade soft whole wheat sandwich bread:

1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt

Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup for a Vegan option, and you can use olive oil instead of butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.

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Step-by-Step Directions

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast, then add the honey. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy.
Stir in the melted butter or oil into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Begin adding the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more all-purpose flour as necessary if the dough is too sticky.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it crowns about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool on a wire rack.

Tips for Serving

This homemade soft whole wheat sandwich bread is incredibly versatile!

Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for breakfast.
Use it as the base for your favorite sandwiches or toast it for a satisfying crunch.
Pair it with cream cheese and fresh vegetables for a delightful snack.

Consider adding seasonal spreads or fruity preserves for added flavor, keeping the atmosphere lively and fresh at your next brunch or lunch gathering.

Best Way to Store Easy Homemade Soft Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

To keep your homemade bread fresh longer, follow these simple storage tips:

Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store it in a breadbox to maintain its softness.
Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread once it’s completely cool. Place slices in an airtight bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating: For a few slices, microwave them briefly or toast directly from the freezer.

Always practice good food handling by ensuring the bread is stored in a dry, cool place to prevent mold.

Expert Advice

Room Temperature: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is at the right temperature. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may inhibit rising.
Kneading: Don’t shy away from kneading! This step is crucial for developing gluten, giving your bread its soft and elastic texture.
Flour Adjustments: If your dough feels sticky, a little extra flour during kneading can save the day, but try to avoid adding too much as it can affect the final texture.

Creative Twists

While this recipe is a classic, there’s always room for creativity!

Add seeds like sunflower or flaxseed to the dough for a nutty texture and added nutrition.
Mix in spices like cinnamon for a hint of sweetness or garlic for a savory touch.
For fun variations, consider adding nuts or dried fruits to make it even more delightful as a breakfast bread.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this bread?

From start to finish, including rising times, you can expect it to take around 2 to 3 hours.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! Use the same amount of instant yeast, and skip the proofing step—add it directly to the dry ingredients.

How should I store the leftovers?

Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap to keep it soft at room temperature. You can also freeze slices for convenient use later!

Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten sensitivities?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains both whole wheat and all-purpose flour and is not suitable for gluten-free diets. However, you can explore gluten-free flour blends for alternative recipes.

In this simple journey of making homemade soft whole wheat sandwich bread, you’ll discover that the heart of baking is not just about the end product, but the joy and satisfaction that comes with making it from scratch. Happy baking!

Easy Homemade Soft Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and healthy homemade soft whole wheat sandwich bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast, then add the honey. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the melted butter or oil into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Begin adding the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until it crowns about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap to keep soft at room temperature. Freeze slices for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 120
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: bread, homemade, whole wheat, sandwich bread, baking