Description
This Honey Whole Grain Multigrain Bread is a softly textured, lightly sweet loaf bursting with hearty whole grains and seeds. Naturally sweetened with honey, it’s perfect for sandwiches, morning toast, or enjoyed warm with butter, offering a wholesome artisan-style bread experience at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup mixed grains or seeds (flax, sunflower, millet, sesame)
- 1½ tsp salt
Optional Topping
- Rolled oats or seeds
- Honey wash (1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp warm water)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Add Fat: Stir in olive oil or melted butter into the yeast mixture to add moisture and richness to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add whole wheat flour, bread flour or all-purpose flour, rolled oats, mixed grains or seeds, and salt to the wet mixture.
- Mix and Knead Dough: Mix all ingredients until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and cohesive.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough gently to release gases. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan to prepare for the next rise.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until it puffs up and nearly doubles.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is undergoing the second rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Topping: Brush the top of the loaf with the honey wash made by mixing 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon warm water. Sprinkle rolled oats or seeds on top if desired for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets perfectly.
Notes
- Honey keeps the bread softer for longer compared to sugar.
- For extra moisture and softer texture, soak the mixed grains/seeds in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough.
- Store the bread wrapped at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Artisan