Whole grain white bread is a versatile and nutritious bread that offers the best of both worlds, combining the light and fluffy texture of white bread with the benefits of whole grains. This type of bread is made with a combination of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, resulting in a delicious and health-conscious alternative to traditional white bread.
what is whole grain white bread?
Entire grain white bread is a type of bread that contains all parts of the wheat grain—the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Unlike white bread, which is made from the endosperm alone, whole grain white bread is heavier in texture and flavor due to the presence of the bran and germ fractions. This richer texture and more developed flavor make whole grain white bread a great choice for those who want the taste of white bread but prefer the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
benefits of whole grain white bread
-
Nutrient-dense: Whole grain white bread is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great food for maintaining overall health.
-
Enhanced flavor: The combination of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour gives whole grain white bread a unique flavor profile that is not bitter like some whole grains can be.
-
Slow digestion: The fiber present in whole grain white bread improves digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels more smoothly.
-
Reduced sodium: In contrast to many store-bought white breads, whole grain white bread is typically lower in sodium, making it a healthier option.
-
suitable for vegans and Israelis: Whole grain white bread is a popular choice for Vegans, Israelis, and people interested in reducing their gluten intake.
how to make whole grain white bread
Making whole grain white bread is a simple process that requires only a few basic ingredients. Here's a recipe for a basic whole grain white bread recipe:
ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk, chilled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
instructions
-
混合液体成分: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chilled milk, warm water mixed with a pinch of sugar, the active dry yeast, and butter.
-
搅拌固体成分: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the solid ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or a dough whisk until a rough dough forms.
-
揉面: Switch to your hands and knead the dough for about 5 minutes, adding a little more flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic, but still a bit sticky.
-
发酵: Place the dough in a lightly Greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
-
成型: When the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently press the dough into a rectangle about the same length as your loaf pan, and about 6 inches wide. Roll the dough up from the long edge and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
-
二次发酵: Cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again until they reach the edge of the pan, usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
-
烘烤: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle. Remove the dough from the oven, carefully tip the pan onto a cooling rack to remove the bread loaf from the pan. Brush the top of the loaf with a little milk and return it to the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
-
冷却与存储: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread, then wrap it securely in plastic and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or for longer storage, freeze it.
Variations on Whole Grain White Bread
While the basic recipe yields a tasty whole grain white bread, there are many variations that you can try to customize your loaf:
-
Adding flavor: Spices like caraway seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, or even a bit of smoked paprika can be incorporated into the bread for added flavor.
-
Using different types of whole grains: Try adding a variety of whole grains like rye, whole oat flour, or brown rice flour to create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
-
Experimenting with different types of yeast: Active dry yeast can be replaced by instant yeast or rapid rise yeast for quicker fermentation times.
-
Experimenting with different ingredients like nuts, fruit jams, or cheese for toppings.
Conclusion
Whole grain white bread is a delicious way to enjoy the tastes and textures of whole grains in a familiar white bread format. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option or a hearty sandwich, whole grain white bread is a versatile and nutritious choice that you can feel good about including in your meal planning.