A Single Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread...

Having the basics in your kitchen pantry means you can get a healthy meal on the table for your family, as needed. And in our home, whole wheat bread is always in the bread box, so today I am sharing A Single Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread, so if you are considering the transition to whole wheat baking, this just might be your starting point! Come and take a look...

Knowing how to bake bread is a very good skill to have.

It seems that often here lately our food production or farming practices are in the news. And unfortunately what's being reported, is often not on a positive note. In the last year alone, there have been more than one headline regarding a food storage facility or factory burning to the ground. And currently there is the problem (once again I might add) regarding avian flu , causing poultry and eggs to skyrocket in price. And before you think this is beyond your ability to make change, there is a solution, become as self sufficient as is possible.

While owning lots of land is wonderful, it is not mandatory.

I do understand that we can't all be homesteaders, but we can practice frugal management of our food dollars and take on learning a few tasks that will help keep the family fed and well nourished. And since this is a subject close to my heart, we will start with bread. Not just any bread, but a nourishing loaf that started out with the whole wheat flour set to soak, overnight. Whole wheat berries are in fact a seed. When you sow them, they will grow, but not until the natural coating protecting the grain has softened by applying water. And that is what soaking whole wheat grain flour refers to. Dissolve the protective coating and make the grain available for our own nutritional needs.

Soaking whole wheat flour has a purpose. More nutrition for our families.

Opening that seed, whether it is to grow or to eat, is the purpose of soaking whole wheat flour. It will soften and dissolve the protective coating making the flour easier to digest and more nourishing as well. It is an old practice, but one I use for all whole grains. You may notice that my recipe for cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot calls for soaking and draining, before cooking. And so do these single loaves of bread! And the good news is that it really isn't more work. I plan ahead and soak the day before, baking the next morning and we have fresh bread for dinner that night. Bread just might be the easiest recipe yet, to divide the steps between two days. Which is perfect when you have more to do, than time to do it in!

And the easiest way to make one perfect loaf of bread, is a bread machine!

I find it interesting that age old practices work perfectly with new technology! A Single Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread, or any of our other favorites like Whole Wheat Carrot Chia Bread, are perfect for using a bread machine. And yes you can mix and bake right in the machine to get a delicious loaf. But I prefer an addition rise for flavor. So when the dough cycle is done, I shape the dough and let it rise again then bake it in my oven. I think I have been making these single loaves of flavored bread for about ten years now. And to be honest, I love the bread machine for mixing, kneading and a protected rise of our whole wheat favorites, but I will most likely be an oven baker for the rest of my bread baking days!

Some additional thoughts on this recipe:

Feel free to knead in some raisins or nuts when shaping the dough. Variety is the spice of life!

I like using oat bran over additional flour when shaping the dough, but use what you prefer.

Yes, this dough would make a lovely cinnamon swirl loaf! Simply flatten it, spread with a little butter, then cinnamon and sugar. Roll up tightly and place into the loaf pan, proceed as the recipe suggests.

This recipe is part of a series of single loaf recipes for variety bread baking:

For those that love baking and are interested in single loaves of bread, to add variety to your meal plans. We offer this list of our other favorites! Each offers whole-wheat goodness and delicious flavor.

Double Batch of Seeded Whole Wheat Bread.

Whole Wheat Raisin Walnut Bread.

Whole Wheat Honey and Wheat Germ Bread.

Savory Cheese and Onion Bread.

Whole Wheat Carrot Chia Bread.

Ingredients needed for this recipe:

whole wheat flour
apple cider vinegar
oil
honey
salt
gluten flour
oat bran
yeast
oatmeal

You will also need the following:

a medium sized mixing bowl
measuring cups
measuring spoons
Automatic Bread Machine
loaf pan, for oven baking

Now we are ready to begin!

A Single Loaf of Whole-Grain Bread
by the seat of my pants!
350-degree oven, for baking

UPDATED: 11.16.2024

The day before:
1 c water
1 t apple cider vinegar
3-4 c whole wheat flour

Using a medium sized mixing bowl, stir together the water, vinegar and the whole wheat flour. A few lumps are fine. You will want the consistency of a dough, not a batter.

Cover and let soak overnight.

The next day, add all ingredients to the Automatic Bread Machine pan in the following order: water through salt

2 T warm water
2 t yeast - I use instant yeast
2 T oil
2 T honey
soaked whole wheat dough, from the day before
1/4 c gluten flour
1/2 c oats
1 t salt

oat bran or additional whole wheat flour, for shaping

Select the "dough" cycle. When the cycle has completed, remove the dough from pan.

Deflate, shape into a standard loaf and place it in a prepared loaf pan.

Let rest and rise until doubled in size.

Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until done in your oven.

Let sit for 5 minutes in the pan, turn out to cool completely.

Wrap completely for storage.

Storage options for A Single Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread. Store in a plastic freezer bag, tightly closed at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage time, bread may be stored in the freezer.

UPDATE: For your convenience, a "copy and paste" version of A Single Loaf of Whole Wheat Bread has been included below.

You may also enjoy:

Sourdough Parsley and Parmesan Cheese Muffins.

#WholeWheatThat’sGoodToEat!

#norefinedsugar

#wholefoodingredients

#scratchmadefoodforyourfamily

Recipe featured at:

Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at Homestead Blog Hop Link-up.

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Printable "copy and paste" version:

A Single Loaf of Whole-Grain Bread
by the seat of my pants!
350-degree oven, for baking

oat bran or additional whole wheat flour, for shaping

Select the "dough" cycle. When the cycle has completed, remove the dough from pan.

Deflate, shape into a standard loaf and place it in a prepared loaf pan.

Let rest and rise until doubled in size.

Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until done in your oven.

Let sit for 5 minutes in the pan, turn out to cool completely.

Wrap completely for storage.

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