Bread-making has been around for centuries, enjoying a resurgence in modern times as more people seek out healthier, artisanal options for bread. One of the most popular choices among bakers today is Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread.
This type of bread is made from natural yeast, combined with whole wheat flour and local honey for added sweetness. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, honey whole wheat sourdough bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough
- Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough is full of nutritious ingredients that offer essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet.
- The subtle sweetness of honey brings out the flavor of whole wheat sourdough, making it an enjoyable treat for any palate.
- It’s a great way to kick off your day with an energy-boosting snack that won’t leave you feeling sluggish later on.
Ingredients Needed for Soft Honey Wheat Bread Recipe
- Active culture is made of wild yeast and bacteria that acts as a leavening agent in bread making.
- Milk is great to use to add flavor, sweetness, and moisture to bread recipes.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness and aids in browning the crust for an authentic sourdough flavor.
- Eggs provide structure and texture to the dough while adding richness to the flavor.
- Softened butter creates a flaky texture while enhancing the flavor of the bread.
- Salt enhances the flavor of all other ingredients in bread recipes.
- Bread or All Purpose Flour provides structure and body to the dough.
- Whole Wheat Flour provides a nutty taste and chewy texture for an authentic sourdough experience.
How to Store Honey Whole Wheat
To store a freshly baked Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough, wrap it tightly in an airtight container or double-bag it in plastic to help keep moisture out. When stored properly, the bread can last up to four days at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Variation Options
- Add dried fruit and nuts, such as raisins or pecans, for an extra sweet taste.
- Experiment with different types of flour to create different textures like oat flour or rye flour.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the flavor.
- Top it off with local honey to sweeten up the loaf.
Tips for Making Whole Wheat Sourdough
- Make sure to hydrate the dough properly by stirring it often and adding enough water when necessary.
- Give the dough ample time to ferment, as this will help develop its flavor and texture.
- Let the dough rest after each fermentation cycle, as this will help achieve maximum rise.
- When baking the loaf, use a combination of steam and dry heat in order to create a crisp crust with an open crumb texture.
FAQs for Soft Honey Wheat Bread Recipe
Sourdough bread can be healthier than traditional whole wheat bread because the fermentation process breaks down phytic acid and gluten, making it easier to digest. The lactic acid and other organic acids produced during the fermentation also create an environment that yields a looser crumb with a more complex flavor. Sourdough is thought to have a lower glycemic index than processed white bread or whole wheat bread, meaning it won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Whole wheat honey bread can be a healthy part of your diet when paired with vegetables, fruit and grass fed meat and dairy. Whole wheat flour and honey both provide antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. The combination of whole wheat flour and honey also provides complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent source of energy.
Adding honey to sourdough can enhance the flavor of the bread and add sweetness. It can help feed the yeast, allowing for better fermentation and a lighter texture. Honey can also act as a natural preservative, preserving flavor and extending the shelf-life of your bread. However, it is important to note that adding too much honey may result in an overly sweet or sticky dough.
Yes, it is possible to freeze whole wheat sourdough. To do so, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to squeeze out all of the air before freezing. When ready to use, thaw the loaf at room temperature for several hours until it is completely defrosted. You can also thaw it in the refrigerator for about 12 hours.
Whole wheat bread with honey can be a healthy option since whole wheat flour is full of fiber and other essential nutrients. Honey is also loaded with antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties which can help maintain a healthy immune system. Also, it is lower in sugar than many other sweeteners, making it a good choice for individuals monitoring their sugar intake.
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a sourdough starter. Whole wheat flour offers the perfect balance of carbohydrates and proteins that help promote microbial activities in the dough. It has a stronger flavor than other flours which can contribute to the unique taste of sourdough bread.
More Sourdough Recipes
Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious and nutritious bread. It is easy to make and offers plenty of health benefits. With the right technique and patience, you can create a wonderful loaf that everyone in your family will enjoy!
Want to learn how to make your very own sourdough? Download The Sourdough Essentials Digital Cookbook!
Honey Whole Wheat Sourdough
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup active starter
- 1 cup milk dairy or non dairy
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups bread or all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Optional Topping:
- 1 beaten egg
- handful of oats for the top of the loaf
Instructions
- In a mixer, combine everything but the flour. Mix it until thoroughly combined.
- Add the flour, a cup at a time until a ball begins to form and the sides of the bowl come clean. Knead for ten minutes or until the dough is soft and stretchy. It can feel a little bit tacky to the touch but should not stick to your fingers.
- Place the dough in a bowl and cover. For a long ferment, place in the fridge for 1-3 days. For same-day baking, let the dough rise somewhere warm until nearly double in size.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it several times. Form it into a loaf and place it in an oiled bread pan. Let the dough rise somewhere warm until nearly double, about 4-6 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Beat the remaining egg and brush it across the top of the loaf and top it with oats. Bake for 35 minutes or until the internal temp of the bread reaches at least 180 degrees F.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, remove, and place on a c cooling tack. Let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Just So Darn Delicious!! I have a honey whole wheat bread recipe from a dear family friend that is amazing also. I was hoping your honey whole wheat sour dough recipe was similar. This recipe definitely met my expectations!! Definitely, a big time WIN!!
I use a little less honey and love it! Thanks!