Nitrate & Nitrite Free Classic Whole Wheat Bread
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, fragrant loaf out of the oven and knowing exactly what went into it. This whole wheat bread is built from just six honest ingredients — warm water, yeast, honey, flour, salt, and butter — with zero preservatives, curing agents, or anything that doesn't belong on your counter. That matters more than people realize, because many packaged breads and even some deli-style loaves rely on additives you'd rather avoid, and the labels aren't always easy to decode. Making your own loaf sidesteps all of that completely. The honey feeds the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness, while the butter gets brushed over the crust right out of the oven for a finish that is rich and deeply satisfying. A double rise gives the crumb real structure and a slightly chewy, hearty texture that holds up beautifully for sandwiches or thick slices of toast. Once you've tasted a homemade loaf this clean and this good, the store-bought version is going to be a hard sell.
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Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for kneading
- 1 ½ tsp fine salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl). Stir briefly and let stand for 5–10 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
- 2
Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
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