Barley Free Sprouted Grain Bread

Total time2 hr 25 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time35 min

4.6

(11)

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, fragrant loaf from the oven, and this sprouted whole wheat bread delivers that experience in a big way. The star here is sprouted whole wheat flour, which gives the bread a slightly nutty, complex flavor that ordinary sandwich loaves just can't match. Ground flaxseed works into the dough for a subtle richness, while a drizzle of olive oil keeps the crumb tender and moist. For anyone navigating a barley-free lifestyle, store-bought "whole grain" breads can be a minefield — many contain barley flour or barley malt extract hiding in the ingredient list. Every component in this recipe is straightforward and easy to verify, so you can bake with confidence and skip the label anxiety entirely. The two-rise method takes a little patience, but it rewards you with a beautifully structured loaf that crowns above the pan and sounds perfectly hollow when tapped. Let it cool on the rack before slicing — if you can wait that long.

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Ingredients

12 servings

1 cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tbsp honey
3 cups sprouted whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl and pan
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp rolled oats, for topping (optional)

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 5–8 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
2
Add the sprouted whole wheat flour, salt, olive oil, and ground flaxseed to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for 2 minutes, then increase to medium and knead for 6–8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, slightly tacky, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. (To knead by hand: turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.)

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