Absolutely! 🌾 Let’s make Artisanal Whole Wheat Bread—crusty on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, with that rustic bakery vibe. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
🍞 Artisanal Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients (1 large loaf)
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3 cups whole wheat flour
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1 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for lighter texture)
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2 tsp salt
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2 tsp sugar or honey
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1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1¾ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
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2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)
Optional topping:
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Whole wheat flour or seeds (sunflower, sesame, flax) for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate yeast
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In a small bowl, combine warm water + sugar + yeast
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Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy
2️⃣ Mix dough
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In a large bowl, combine flours + salt
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Add yeast mixture + olive oil
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Stir until dough begins to form
3️⃣ Knead
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On floured surface, knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
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Or use a stand mixer with dough hook 5–7 minutes
4️⃣ First rise
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Place dough in lightly oiled bowl
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Cover with a towel or plastic wrap
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Let rise 1–2 hours until doubled
5️⃣ Shape & second rise
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Punch down dough gently
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Shape into a rustic round or oblong loaf
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Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
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Cover, let rise 30–45 minutes
6️⃣ Preheat oven
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450°F (230°C)
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Place a small oven-safe pan of water in the bottom for steam (makes crust crisp)
7️⃣ Score & bake
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Dust top lightly with flour
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Use a sharp knife to make 2–3 slashes on top
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Bake 25–35 minutes until crust is golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped
8️⃣ Cool
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Transfer to wire rack and cool completely before slicing
Tips for Best Results
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Steam is key: it gives the bread a shiny, crispy crust
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Longer fermentation = more flavor: let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight if possible
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Don’t over-flour: too much flour = dense bread
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Whole wheat absorbs more water, so dough is naturally stickier—resist adding too much extra flour
Result: a hearty, slightly nutty loaf with a crunchy crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or just with butter. 😋
I can also give you a no-knead artisanal whole wheat version that takes less hands-on time but has that bakery flavor.