Delicious Whole Wheat Bread Recipe To Try Now

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whole wheat bread recipe

The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)

If you’re searching for a wholesome and satisfying whole wheat bread recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Whole wheat bread is a nutritious alternative to white bread, packed with fiber, vitamins, and a nutty, rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re using a bread machine, working with sourdough, or craving a touch of sweetness with honey, this guide covers every version you need to master healthy, delicious homemade bread.

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Why Choose a Whole Wheat Bread Recipe?

Whole wheat bread is made from flour that uses the entire wheat kernel, including the bran and germ. This gives it a denser texture and deeper flavor while retaining more nutrients than refined white flour. Not only does it promote better digestion, but it also helps keep you full longer, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.

Classic Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (Oven-Baked)

This straightforward, no-fuss whole wheat bread recipe is a great introduction to whole grain baking.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp honey
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and honey. Add yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.
  6. Let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

This classic version creates a hearty loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with a spread of butter.

Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe for Effortless Baking

Don’t want to knead or monitor rising times? Try this whole wheat bread machine recipe for a convenient and consistent loaf every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order recommended by your manufacturer.
  2. Select the “Whole Wheat” cycle.
  3. Choose your crust preference and start the machine.
  4. In 3–4 hours, enjoy a freshly baked, warm loaf of whole wheat bread.

This method is a game-changer for busy home bakers looking for nutrition and convenience.

Sweet and Nutty Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Adding honey brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty flavor of whole wheat. This honey whole wheat bread recipe is especially kid-friendly and makes a great breakfast option.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup warm milk or water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ tsp yeast

Instructions:

  1. Mix warm liquid and honey. Add yeast and let sit until bubbly.
  2. Add flour, salt, and butter. Knead until smooth.
  3. Let rise for 1 hour, then shape and place into a loaf pan.
  4. Rise again for 30 minutes and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

This loaf is soft, flavorful, and lightly sweet—perfect for toast or sandwiches.

Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread Recipe for Deep Flavor

For those who love a tangy, chewy loaf, the whole wheat sourdough bread recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup active sourdough starter
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups water

Instructions:

  1. Mix starter, water, and flour until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
  3. Add salt, then perform stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes over 2 hours.
  4. Let the dough rise for 4–6 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge.
  5. Shape into a loaf and bake in a preheated Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30–35 minutes.

This method yields a complex, hearty loaf with a rich sourdough aroma and a beautifully chewy texture.

Final Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Bread

  • Use fresh flour: Whole wheat flour can go rancid if stored improperly.
  • Don’t over-knead: Whole wheat dough is more delicate than white flour dough.
  • Hydration matters: Whole wheat absorbs more water—don’t be afraid to adjust the liquid.
  • Let it rest: Longer fermentation improves both flavor and digestibility.

Click here for all of our homemade bread recipes

Conclusion

Making homemade bread is rewarding, and with this versatile whole wheat bread recipe collection, you can create the perfect loaf for any taste or dietary need.

From a soft and sweet honey whole wheat bread recipe, to the robust whole wheat sourdough bread recipe, or the effortless whole wheat bread machine recipe, there’s a healthy, delicious option for everyone.

The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)