Artisan Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe is a homemade bread known for its firm outer crust and soft, hearty interior. It is made using a mixture of whole wheat flour, rye flour, all-purpose flour, bread flour, and spelt flakes.

The dough includes yeast, honey, sugar, salt, and oil, creating a rich and flavorful loaf. This Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe is often baked in a hot oven to develop its signature crust.

The texture is slightly dense and chewy, ideal for slicing and serving fresh. It can be enjoyed plain or as a base for spreads and toppings. Making it involves mixing, kneading, rising, shaping, and baking.

Why You’ll Love Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

1. Healthier Choice: Made primarily with whole wheat flour, this bread is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to white bread. It supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

2. Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this delicious bread. No fancy additives or preservatives—just wholesome goodness you can feel good about serving.

3. Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps and minimal kneading, this recipe is perfect for novice bakers. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen and impress friends and family.

4. Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas! You can easily add herbs, seeds, or even dried fruits to create your own unique flavors. Experiment and make it your own!

5. Homemade Aroma: There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in your oven. This recipe fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma that will have everyone flocking to the kitchen.

How To Prepare Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe?

Recipe Overview

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting Time: 1 hour
  • Baking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: About 1 hour and 55 minutes
  • Course: Bread
  • Cuisine: Artisan
  • Calories: Approximately 120
  • Yield: 1 large bread
Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe
Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

Kitchen Utensils

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Baking sheet or Dutch oven
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup rye flour
  • ½ cup spelt flakes
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon additional salt (total: 3 tsp salt divided)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, wheat flour, rye flour, and spelt flakes. Add salt, yeast, sugar, honey, vegetable oil, and about 1 ½ cups warm water. Stir until a rough dough forms. If needed, add more water (1 tbsp at a time) until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

Step 3: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a floured proofing basket. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For a crustier finish, place a pan of water on the bottom rack for steam. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips And Variations

Tips

  • For best results, ensure your water is warm, not hot. Too high a temperature can kill the yeast.
  • Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a better texture.
  • Experiment with herbs or spices, like rosemary or garlic powder, for added flavor.

Variations

  • Substitute half of the whole wheat flour with rye flour for a unique taste.
  • Add seeds like sunflower, sesame, or flaxseeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Health Benefits

1. High in Fiber

Crusty wheat bread, especially when made with whole wheat flour, is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer, which can assist in weight management.

2. Nutrient-Dense

Whole wheat bread is packed with essential nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including energy production, immune health, and muscle function.

3. Heart Health

The whole grains in wheat bread can contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in whole grains further support cardiovascular health.

Kitchen Tips

1. Ensure your flour and yeast are fresh. Old flour can lead to poor texture, while expired yeast won’t rise properly.

2. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which is essential for a good rise and chewy texture.

3. To achieve a crusty exterior, place a pan of water in the oven while baking. This creates steam, which helps form a nice crust.

4. Allowing the shaped loaf to rise again is crucial. This final rise enhances the texture and flavor of the bread.

5. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cutting too soon can result in a gummy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use only whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the bread may be denser and require a bit more water. Experiment to find the right balance!

2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was warm (not too hot or cold). You can also try placing the dough in a warmer spot to encourage rising.

3. How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it.

4. Can I add seeds or herbs to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add seeds like sunflower or sesame, or herbs like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor and texture of your bread.

5. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).Bottom of Form

Conclusion

My Crusty Wheat Bread recipe is easy to follow and uses simple, wholesome ingredients. It gives you a rich, hearty loaf with a crisp crust and soft center.

You will soon guide this Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe, and the results will reflect the care and effort put into each step. A fresh, crusty loaf will soon be ready to enjoy.

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Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

Luna
To make crusty wheat bread recipe, combine whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, and warm water. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size. Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased pan, and let it rise again. Bake until golden brown and crusty. Enjoy!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Artisan
Servings 1 large bread
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons,
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Baking sheet or Dutch oven
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup rye flour
  • ½ cup spelt flakes
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon additional salt total: 3 tsp salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, wheat flour, rye flour, and spelt flakes. Add salt, yeast, sugar, honey, vegetable oil, and about 1 ½ cups warm water. Stir until a rough dough forms. If needed, add more water (1 tbsp at a time) until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

Step 3: Shape and Second Rise

  • Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a floured proofing basket. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). For a crustier finish, place a pan of water on the bottom rack for steam. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Keyword Crusty Wheat Bread Recipe

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