Easy Whole Wheat Bread For Your Family

Homemade bread is a staple in my family. In fact, we eat it at more meals than not. Usually made of whole wheat, it’s nourishing and comforting. Making our bread at home is one way that I help keep our budget economical. It’s also a ministry. I like to think of John 6:35, where Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of Life. Just like my family eats the bread that I make almost every day, we’re supposed to spend time with Jesus every day. It’s a reminder for me to teach the Word to my little ones every day.

Through some testing and error I came up with this recipe. It provides two loaves, which lasts my family about 2 or 3 days. Sometimes I’ll make extra to freeze, too, although it’s best fresh.

Here is my recipe! I pray that you and your family will be blessed by it.

4.5 t yeast
6 T sugar
2.5 c warm water
6 c whole wheat flour (+ more later)
1 T salt
6 T oil

Add yeast and sugar to large mixing bowl then pour the warm water over it. Let it sit til it’s bubbling healthily. Add flour, salt, and oil. Combine ingredients til they all hold together then begin kneading. I use a stand mixer, keeping an eye on it and add more flour as needed.* I also use a spatula to keep it from creeping up the dough hook.
The dough is ready when it’s well combined, smooth, and not sticky. Cover and let rest for at least 1 hour. I find it’s best to rest and rise for 1.5 hours or more.
Grease two glass bread pans. (I like to use Smart Balance butter, but some other oil works fine, too.)
Take dough out of bowl and fold over a few times. Shape into a smooth ball then cut it in half. Shape each half into a loaf, then place into the pans. Preheat oven to 350°. Let the loaves rise for 30 minutes.
Bake loaves for 40 minutes, let cool, then remove from loaf pans.

*How much flour you add depends on so many factors! The type of flour and the humidity of your location are big ones. You want to go for a certain texture in the dough over an exact amount of flour.