Homemade Healthy Sandwich Bread
Before diving into the world of homemade sandwich bread, let’s discuss some delightful pairings. Imagine your warm, fresh loaf alongside the savory richness of avocado toast.
Prep Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 3 hours hours
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Healthy Sandwich Bread
Servings: 15
Calories: 120kcal
For the Dough:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled.
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- 2 cups high-protein bread flour.
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional, for texture and nutrition.
- 1 tablespoon pure honey.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast quick-rise variety.
- 1/3 cup hearty old-fashioned oats.
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds.
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour plus more for kneading.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds.
- 1 ¼ cup warm milk dairy or unsweetened almond milk.
- 1 tablespoon blue poppy seeds.
- Neutral oil for greasing the bowl.
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg lightly beaten.
For the Topping:
- Optional: additional sesame seeds and poppy seeds for added crunch.
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds.
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats for sprinkling.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mixture
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, flaxseed, salt, whole wheat flour, bread flour, oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Use a wooden spoon to combine these ingredients until they form a shaggy dough. It should be quite sticky, which is precisely what you want.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Kneading builds the structure of your bread, ensuring the perfect rise.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s tempting to slice it right away, but try not to—let it cool completely so the texture holds up well when you cut it.
- Use Fresh Yeast: When using instant yeast, check its expiration date. Fresh yeast activates better, giving your bread a good rise.
- Let It Rise Enough: Take the time needed for both the first and second rises. Don’t rush; this step develops the flavor and texture.
- Don’t Over-knead: While kneading is essential, overdoing it can make the bread tougher. Aim for a balance where it’s smooth but not dry.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor. Mixing it up enhances the taste!
- Master Storage: Homemade bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days. For longer shelf life, freeze slices and toast them as needed.
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g