Homemade Brown Bread Recipe
Brown bread is a hearty, nutritious option that's perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter. This recipe is simple to make and yields a delicious, soft loaf with a slightly nutty flavor from the whole wheat flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey or molasses
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup oats or seeds (e.g., sunflower, flax, or sesame) for added texture
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey or molasses. Stir to dissolve.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast may be inactive, and you should use fresh yeast.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil or melted butter.
- Mix until the dough begins to come together. If using oats or seeds, stir them in at this stage.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Alternatively, shape it into a free-form loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen and puffed up.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips:
- For a Crispier Crust: Place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven during baking to create steam.
- Flavor Variations: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It’s best enjoyed within a few days but can be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade brown bread fresh or toasted!