Thursday, June 28, 2012

Easiest Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

I've been making 1-2 loaves of homemade whole wheat bread every week for over a year now. I was tired of the preservatives and chemicals in store-bought bread and the taste was definitely lacking.

But my handy dandy bread machine should get all the credit. I would never go to all the trouble of making my own bread without one. It's so awesome because it takes less than 5 minutes to throw the ingredients into the pan and the machine does the rest. After it's all said and done, I'm left with amazing bread and only one dirty pan. And it's super easy to clean because it's non-stick. I've included my favorite whole wheat bread recipe below.



HONEY WHOLE WHEAT BREAD FOR THE BREAD MACHINE RECIPE

1 cup water
1/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine/fast rising yeast (or 2 teaspoons active dry yeast)

Add ingredients according to the directions that came with your bread machine. Use the wheat bread cycle and light color setting. This recipe makes a 1 1/2 pound loaf.




BREAD MACHINE TIPS:

Follow the directions that came with your bread machine carefully. I first got a bread maker eleven years ago. I didn't follow the instructions and my bread never turned out. Now I make sure my water is at the right temp (my directions recommend 80°F). I spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping so I don't use too much flour. My previous bread maker recommended using bread machine/fast rising yeast so I still use that, although my new bread maker says active dry yeast can be used. I keep my yeast in the fridge so it doesn't go bad.

If your bread doesn't rise, try adding 2 tablespoons of vital wheat gluten and 2 1/2 tablespoons water. Not all recipes work the same in different areas. I live at sea level. For high altitude areas, reduce the amount of yeast by 1/4 teaspoon and reduce liquid by 1-2 teaspoons until you find the right amount.



This is my rockin' bread machine that I bought last year to replace my previous Black & Decker model. I was debating between this West Bend Breadmaker for $60 and the Zojirushi Virtuoso Breadmaker for $270. Big diff in price! I read all the user reviews for each bread maker and I finally chose the less inexpensive West Bend bread maker. I've been very happy with it and I'm glad I didn't fork over the extra $210 for the Zojiushi model.

HOMEMADE BREAD SAVES ME MONEY

$0.03 - Milk ($3.50/1 gallon)
$0.37 - Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($9.44/25.4 oz.)
$0.35 - Honey ($7.48/32 oz.)
$0.01 - Sea Salt ($1.50/26.5 oz.)
$0.58 - White Whole Wheat Flour ($3.64/5 pounds)
$0.27 - Bread Machine Yeast ($4.24/16 envelopes)
$1.61 - Grand Total for 1 1/2 pound loaf
$4.75 - Whole Wheat Bread of Comparable Taste/Freshness from Bread Store

After making homemade bread in my bread maker 20 times, I saved the $60 I spent on it. I also make homemade pizza dough and french bread dough in it. I love that I get fresh, delicious, nutritious homemade bread without hardly lifting a finger!

Do you have a bread maker? What kind do you have and how do you like it? Do you have a favorite bread machine recipe to share?

This post was proudly featured at:
Country Momma Cooks
This post is linked to: Mix It Up Monday, Tatertots & Jello, Meatless Mondays, Makin' You Crave Mondays, Frugal Friday, Whipperberry Friday Flair, Walking on Sunshine, Simple Lives Thursday, It's a Keeper Thursday, Frugal Food Thursday, Not Your Ordinary Recipes, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Works For Me Wednesday, Penny Pinching Party, Raising Homemakers Link-Up, Red White & You Follower Fest, Riverton Housewives Round Up, Tiny Tip Tuesday, Tip Me Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Tout it Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, Show Me What Ya Got Tuesday, The Morristribe's Homesteader Blog Carnival, Homestead Barn Hop, Monday Mania, Motivate Me Monday, More the Merrier Monday, Homemaker on a Dime, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Alderberry Hill, Link and Greet Saturday, Saturday Show & Tell, Strut Your Stuff Saturday, Get Schooled Saturday, Simple Living Foodie Friday, Little House in the Suburbs, Frugal Friday, Simply Sweet Home Friday Favorites, Happy Hour Friday


47 comments:

  1. Oh man I think I need a bread maker! I got together with two friends to make homemade bread, but even with three of us it took so long and was a lot of work. This would be so much easier! Kendra, you are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My West Bend bread maker is not expensive and it makes a horizontal loaf. It can make a 1 1/2 pound loaf or a 2 pound loaf. I prefer the 1 1/2 pound loaf because the slices of bread are the right size. When I make a 2 pound loaf, the slices are too tall and it's a little awkward to fit in the toaster.

    My previous bread maker made a vertical loaf. It seemed the vertical loaf was the same size as my West Bend horizontal 1 1/2 pound loaf. Hope this helps!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is great, Kendra! I have been wanting to ask for a bread machine for my birthday in September, and now I know which one to buy! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been reading all your hints. I mean ALL your hints. Thank you so much. We aren't able to buy some of the ingredients in your recipes in Australia but I'll be working out substitutes. a great site and so much info. Take care. Lydia

    ReplyDelete
  5. I use my bread machine for making my dough, but I bake it in the oven. I just don't care for the hard dark crust when baking in the machine. It makes wonderful dough of yo have a good recipe. I have made it with a big mixer, but my dough is better from the bread machine.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oops!!!! That would be if you have a good recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love my bread machine too! We'd love for you to share this recipe at our party! http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/06/recipe-round-up-23.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have tried different bread machines including Sunbeam and Welbilt. I haven't noticed that much of difference between the brands but more in the pan size. I have an oblong pan and a square pan. I found that the square pans mixed better and created a better dough. I don't like the texture of the bread when it cooks in the maker so I tend to use my machine for making the dough and then shape the loaves and bake them in the oven.

    Your wheat bread recipe looks great. I can't wait to try it out, but I'm not going to try until the heat breaks a bit.

    Thanks for sharing!
    JanelleS
    www.parsnipsandparsimony.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janelle, That's good to know you like the square pans better. Thanks for your comments!

      Delete
  9. Just scour the yard sales. I got mine for $5.00 and it came with the recipe book & manual, new in the box. I've seen them every week since, sometimes $5, sometimes $10, but gee.. that's a workable about of money.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tip! My mom finds so many great appliances at garage sales too.

      Delete
  10. This bread looks so yummy and easy! We like how your bread maker does all the work! Yes! We appreciate you linking up to our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday! It was great having you and we hope you'll be back next week!! -The Sisters

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh I love this and will have to pin it and make it soon. Love my bread machine, thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just stopping by to say HI! Found your blog via Red, White and You. I am following you now. Looking forward to reading your future post.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this...I'm a new stay at home mama and I think I see a bread machine in my future. New follower from Red, White and You blog hop.
    Abbie
    www.TheEnvelopeKeeper.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Kendra just wanted to let you know that I made this last night and it turned out great! Im enjoying a piece of toast right now. Going to reshare on facebook. Blessings. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing it on facebook! :) I'm looking forward to trying your homemade ranch dressing recipe.

      Delete
  15. Oh this looks so good! But what if you don't have a bread machine? Is there a comparable oven version?

    I'm following you from the follow fest! I'd love for you to stop by my blog and become my blog friend too!

    xo, Brooke

    liningthecloudswithsilver.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brooke, I've never made bread without my bread maker so I don't have a comparable oven version. Sorry! Mel's Kitchen Cafe has an awesome post about her 3 favorite whole wheat bread recipes that she makes in the oven. Thanks for stopping by!

      http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/03/delicious-whole-wheat-bread-two-recipes.html

      Delete
  16. I can almost smell the bread from the picture! It looks great. Thank you for sharing with us on Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you'll join us again this week!
    -Mackenzie
    http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. LOVE that honey whole wheat bread - it looks delicious. In fact, so much so that I'm your newest follower :) I just wrote a post similar to this within the past week! Stop on by for a few of my favorite bread maker recipes :) http://youandmearewe.blogspot.com/2012/07/bread-maker-miracles-my-favorite.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. The bread looks lovely and delicious. I would love to make some but then I would just eat the whole loaf myself! Your blog is nice also! Going to look at some of your homemade cleaners! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That bread looks amazing! Man, I really need a bread machine. Thanks for sharing the one you have, think I'm going to order one this week :) Thanks for linking up at Tiny Tip Tuesday!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I don't have a bread machine, but I have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer (the big one) that I love. It does all of my kneading for me. I'm thinking of making this as an oven bread. I'd just do the mixing and kneading in my stand mixer, proofing in the bowl, then final rise and bake in a bread pan. Do you think it will work?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amy Sarah, I've never made bread without my bread maker so I'm not sure if it will work. Sorry! I suggest checking out Mel's Kitchen Cafe. She has a great post about her 3 favorite whole wheat bread recipes that she makes in the oven.
      http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/03/delicious-whole-wheat-bread-two-recipes.html

      Delete
  21. I so need a bread machine. Glad to hear the $60 version works great since I have been eyeing that expensive one too. Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  22. That is some savings! It looks delicious and I would love a slice right now, lightly toasted with some soft butter. Thanks! :) Thanks for joining Foodie Friends Friday! Please come next week with another great recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This looks wonderful! Thanks for linking up to Foodie Friends Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Found you from Foodie Friends Friday! I just got a bread machine myself and am going to try this recipe as my first loaf! You are my host favorite, so I will be shouting out your link this friday on my page (familyfoodfinds.com)! Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the shout out Lindsey! Hopefully your bread turns out tonight or that might change. :) He he.

      Delete
  25. I love my bread machine. I try to purchase most items at my local thrift store. Reduce reuse recycle. I get gently used or new items at an incredible price while contributing to a wonderful community organization.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was able to find a Zojirushi at my local thrift store for $20! I was ecstatic. I tried this recipe and the taste was incredible. WE all loved the moistness, and texture and flavor. My only complaint is that the bread didn't rise very well. I ended up with a concave loaf. I used the SAF instant yeast, do you think I should use the bread machine yeast? Also, what other sweetener can I sub if I don't have honey on hand?

    Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Soccy, That's awesome you scored one for such a good deal!! Did your bread maker come with instructions? Make sure and read the instructions to find out what order to put the ingredients and what temperature water to use and any other recommendations. Your instant yeast should work fine in a bread maker. Make sure it's not old. Bread recipes using only whole wheat flour can have a hard time rising because of low gluten content. You could try substituting 1 cup of whole wheat flour for 1 cup of bread flour. Or you could add 2 Tbsp vital wheat gluten and 2 1/2 Tbsp water.

      Make sure your liquid isn't too hot. Too much salt or not enough sweetener can inhibit rising. Did it rise and then collapse? Too much yeast or water can cause bread to collapse. Do you live at high elevation? If so, reduce yeast by 1/4 teaspoon and reduce liquid by 1-2 teaspoons.

      I haven't ever substituted the honey, but I think maple syrup would work. You could use sugar, but then you have to add more liquid. Good luck!

      Delete
  27. I'm so glad that I'm following you! This recipe is GREAT. Thanks so much for posting on the tt&j link party:)

    Katie
    www.funhomethings.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am always looking for new recipes to use in my bread maker. :)
    Stopping over from Mix It Up Monday...

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kendra, are you still happy with this bread machine? Because I'm about to buy the one you recommended. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I still love it! I don't recommend Trader Joe's white whole wheat flour though. My bread doesn't rise as much when I use it. I've had good success with Gold Medal white whole wheat flour.

      Delete
  30. I made your Wheat Bread today.. Served them with carrot soup and they were a huge hit. So easy too!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I really want to try making bread sculptures. I hear it's easier to work with white flour than wheat. Bread is amazing, I like it, but I've always bought it. I'm...not so great in the kitchen, for lack of experience. But bread shouldn't be too hard, right?

    ReplyDelete
  32. There’s nothing like a homemade wheat bread and yours looks simply fantastic!! Homemade bread is the best!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Do you think regular whole wheat flour will work just as well?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sounds really yummy with the milk, honey and all and the bread machine! It's the first time I heard.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Like doing it by hand, turns out much better, plus i can make 4 loafs at a time

    ReplyDelete
  36. HI I am baking my second loaf now, the first is soo good! Thanks a bunch! Anyways i wonder if you store yours in the fridge and how long you would say it keeps for. I want to keep one here and send one to daycare for my daughter with dairy/soy intolerances! So grateful to save 4.00 a loaf to make my own bread!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like it! No I don't keep the bread in the fridge because it would get too dry. I just leave it on the counter. If you won't be able to eat it fast enough, slice it and store in the freezer. When you want a piece, you can toast it or thaw it in the microwave for 1 minute on 4 power.

      Delete

Thank you for your comments! They make me happy!

Click on "Subscribe by email" in the bottom right corner if you want follow-up comments sent to your email. Click again if you want to unsubscribe.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.