Easy 100% whole wheat bread recipe. Soft and tender with a mild, sweet flavor. Great for toast with jam and butter. Also excellent for grilled cheese. This bread loves sharp cheese. Bread machine recipe.
So you want to make whole wheat bread in your bread machine?
Excellent. Me too!
I love whole wheat bread but my prior attempts at a 100% whole wheat loaf in the bread machine were lackluster. The bread came out dense, heavy, and a bit dry.
But I was inspired by the success of my bread machine sandwich bread recipe. (Which inspired my bread machine cinnamon raisin bread recipe.) If I could make tender, flavorful white bread, why not try a 100% whole wheat loaf.
Why You’ll Love This Whole Wheat Bread
- It’s delicious with an impressive rise. A whole wheat loaf that’s soft, tender, and flavorful? Yes! Unlike many whole wheat recipes, this loaf isn’t dense and heavy. It rises high with a tender and flavorful crumb.
- It’s 100% whole wheat. Many “whole wheat” bread recipes are a blend of whole wheat and white flour. This recipe uses all whole wheat.
- It’s easy to make. A bread machine makes this recipe a snap to make.
- It’s light with a mild sweetness. Is this bread amazing eaten as toast with butter and jam? You bet! But it’s also fabulous as the base for a grilled cheese sandwich. This bread loves sharp cheese!
- It makes your house smell amazing. This is such a “little-big” thing that I love about this bread. When it bakes, your house smells amazing. There’s something about the nutty aroma of whole wheat flour that kicks the bread baking aroma up a notch.
Ingredients for Bread Machine Whole Wheat Bread
- Whole Wheat Flour. This recipe was developed with King Arthur Flour’s whole wheat flour. The protein content of whole wheat flours can vary from brand to brand. If you use a flour with less protein, the loaf might not rise as high.
- Yeast. Both instant or active dry work in this recipe. I prefer baking bread with instant yeast because it’s more reliable than active dry yeast.
- Salt. Salt adds flavor and controls yeast growth. Use table salt, not Kosher salt.
- Granulated Sugar. Many recipes for whole wheat bread use honey. Since I don’t always keep honey in the house, I used granulated sugar. If you prefer honey, follow the directions below for replacing it in the recipe.
- Milk and Half and Half. A combination of milk and half and half are used to keep the loaf soft and tender. If you’ve made my sandwich bread or cinnamon raisin bread recipe, you’ll notice this recipe calls for more milk and half and half. That’s because whole wheat flour requires more hydration. If the recipe doesn’t contain enough liquid, the bread comes out dry.
- Butter. Adds tenderness and flavor.
How to Make Whole Wheat Bread in a Bread Machine
Note: Bread machines vary from maker to maker. This recipe requires a machine that has a two pound capacity. Follow the directions that come with your bread machine. This is a basic method.
- Use a 1 1/2 to 2 pound bread machine. This recipe requires a large bread machine.
- Select the “basic” program. Bread machine programs vary by manufacturer. For this recipe, it’s best to use the “basic” program. You’re looking for something similar to this:
Preheat 20 to 30 minutes (If your machine doesn’t have a preheat option, warm the liquid ingredients)
First Knead: about 18 minutes
First Rise: about 45 minutes
Second Rise: about 20 minutes
Third Rise: about 45 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes - Layer the ingredients. Add the milk, half and half and butter. Then add the flour and salt. Finally, sprinkle the yeast on top of the dry ingredients.
- Skip the keep warm. If possible, remove the bread from the machine as soon as the baking cycle completes. The keep warm cycle can overbake the bread–causing the texture to be dry.
- Cool on a wire rack. Remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool. This keeps the crust crisp and the center soft. And be sure to let the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Whole Wheat Bread Machine Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (450 grams) whole wheat flour, see note
- 3 tablespoons (35 grams) granulated sugar, see note
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon (255 grams) milk
- ½ cup (100 grams) half and half
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) softened butter, salted or unsalted
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast or active dry
Instructions
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
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Place the ingredients into the pan of a 1 ½ to 2-pound bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
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Select the program for basic white bread. Press Start. When the cycle completes, remove the pan from the machine.
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Remove the bread from the pan, sometimes this requires a shake to get the bread out of the pan. Set the loaf on a wire rack to cool.
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Store, in a bread box, bread bag or well wrapped on the counter for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Whole Wheat Flour
This recipe was developed with King Arthur Flour’s whole wheat flour.
Granulated Sugar
If you prefer honey in your whole wheat bread, replace the sugar with 1 ½ tablespoons of honey.
Milk and Half and Half
Use lukewarm milk and half-and-half if your bread machine does not have a preheat cycle.
Michael A Sullivan says
Is it 3 1/2 cups or 450g of flour? KA whole wheat flour is 113g per cup.
Elizabeth says
Hi Michael,
Good question. On the bag, King Arthur Whole Wheat is listed as 120 grams per cup. The white whole wheat is 113 grams per cup.
When I measure flour (whisk, dip, and sweep) my cup is a bit heavier, about 128 grams per cup. So the recipe is correct as listed. 3 1/2 cups or 450 grams. And if someone has a lighter hand and they’re closer to 420 grams, the recipe works great too.
Hope this helps!
Dumitru Stefaniga says
Hello, it sounds good but you forgot to put the quantity of water necessary for this.
Elizabeth says
This recipe does not contain water. It uses milk and half and half. If you’d like to replace the milk and half and half with water, you’d use 1 1/2 cups plus one tablespoon milk.
Katie Hughes says
Thank for the recipe. It is the best I have ever tried. Didn’t have half and half just used whole milk. I will definitely use the 1/2 and 1/2 next time. The bottom was really brown and dry.
Steven P livingstone says
I’m not a big fan of whole wheat but this is really good way better than what I’ve been making previously
Pam says
I have been looking for a long time for a good basic bread recipe and this was great. I made it last night. The top fell just a bit, but it still looked and tasted great. I meant to add some sunflower seeds to it and forgot. Next time. Now if I could only find a sourdough bread machine recipe that came out as well. Thanks!
Elizabeth says
Oooooh….you gave me an idea.
EMaria Frawley says
I am wondering…… The bread machine cooks/cycle goes for 3 hours; so how can this cook all the way? It says 3 h’s & 20m’s! This is the bread I really want to make in my bread machine!! Will it cook in 3 hours & be done?
Thanks
Elizabeth says
Hi!
It’s hard for me to say without knowing which bread machine you own. However, a basic bread cycle is about three hours. So you should be good to go!
EMaria Frawley says
Hi yes, I have a Sunbeam 2lb. Deluxe bread & dough maker. Thanks for your fast response
EMaria Frawley says
This 100% whole wheat bread was very good. Dough mixed great with my goat milk and brown sugar. Going to try honey this next time. Very great flavor, texture, it cooked just fine also!
Polly says
Hello, thank you for this recipe, I look forward to trying it out! Just wondered – what is half and half? We don’t have it here in the UK. Can I replace it with water? Thank you, Polly
Elizabeth says
Hi Polly!
In the United States, half and half is half cream and half whole/full-fat milk. You can replace it with water but if you can use milk, that would give you a better result.
Dan says
It’s called “half cream” in England.
Barbara Cowal says
Hi there I need to make a non-dairy version. Wondering if I can substitute either coconut milk, canned coconut milk, or oat milk. I’m thinking of a combo of canned coconut milk (mine is thick) and oat milk. Thoughts?
Elizabeth says
I think the combo is a good idea. Full fat coconut milk, I believe, would be both too rich and too thick. I’ve tested the recipe with water and it works. (It isn’t as rich and stales faster.) For this recipe, I’d use 1 1/4 cups oat milk and 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk. Whisk them together, since the coconut milk is so thick.
Let me know how it goes!
Donna says
Would soy milk work as a straight swap?
Elizabeth says
I haven’t tested it but I believe it would work well.
Nancy says
Can I nake this on the dough cycle and bake in oven? Do I need to let it rise after dough cycle? Thanks, it sounds delicious. I can’t wait to try it.
Elizabeth says
I haven’t tested this myself but it should work. Your bread machine is simply acting as a mixer in this case.
Dough settings tend to vary. Does yours include rise time?
Usually, when you transfer the dough from the machine to a pan, it deflates a bit. So even if it’s risen once, you’ll probably need to let it rise again.
If the dough setting doesn’t include a rise time, let the dough rise once in a covered bowl. Then punch it down, transfer it to a pan and allow it to rise again. Be sure the dough is covered while it rises so it doesn’t form a skin.
I hope this helps!
Lara says
What size is the loaf? I have the option for a 1.5 or 2.0 pound, so I’m not sure which size to select.
Elizabeth says
Since you have the option, I’d select the 2-pound setting!
Enjoy!
Darcy says
I tried this recipe last night. I didn’t have half and half, so I used low-fat buttermilk instead. I also added 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. This bread rose well, smelled delicious, looked good, and tastes wonderful. It is surprisingly light and airy! I just got a Zojirushi bread machine at a yard sale, and I was looking for whole grain recipes. The first recipe that I tried was heavy and unappealing…this one was wonderful! Thank you!
Carla says
Can you use the timer for this recipe so the bread is ready in the morning or will the milk and half and half go bad? Thanks
Elizabeth says
This is a good question and I’ve had it myself. I’ve done some research on this in the past and it sounds like it’s not a good idea because bacteria can grow.
I always err on the side of caution, so I don’t recommend letting it sit in the bread machine overnight.
Nellie says
Hi, I always do it, put the ingredients around midnight and set the timer. The milk doesn’t go bad (I set the timer for 7 am, so the ingredients stay in the bread machine for 4 hours) The only thing is that the yeast shouldn’t be mixed with the milk (the taste gets bad) so I put the liquids first, flour next and the yeast on top.
Randy Gibson says
All the other wheat bread recipesI have tried are kind of dense. This came out very nice. I used whole wheat bread flour. The flavor is awesome
Guillermo K says
Can this recipe be used in rapid mode instead of basic mode? If so, any feedback would be great. Would I have to adapt the recipe in any way? I have a Kenmore Bread Machine for 2 pounds. I imagine it is difficult since this recipe calls for 3 hours (Basic Mode). I believe the rapid option says it can be done in 1 hour. I am testing it out but I doubt it will work. The machine gives the option for Whole Wheat Bread (2 pounds) and the time shows 3h45min.
Guillermo K says
The recipe is great, thanks. I tried using Super Rapid mode (1 hour) and wish I could post the picture. The bread came out very tasty but a little dense (I think it needed more time to rise). Rapid mode (2hr+) in my machine (Kenmore) is my next step. If this recipe was pretty good on Super Rapid mode. I am sure Basic mode (3hr+) will be fantastic.
Guillermo K. says
Happy 4th of July, btw!
ilene smith says
How many carbs is one slice?
Jane Sanderson says
That would all depend on how thick you cut your slice.
heather stewart says
Fabulous answer, I don’t see how you all don’t poke your eyes out with these questions:) Bread came out fabulous too!
Debbie says
Are you using the whole wheat setting for this bread
Elizabeth says
For my machine, I used the basic setting. I tested it with both the wheat setting and the basic and saw no difference.
Florisel Parra-Waurynchuk says
Great and super simple. Love it and works great with my bread machine. For me, this is delicious with just butter and coffee.
Marie McClelland says
I made this today and it turned out perfect. I’ll be using this recipe again and again. Thank you.
Peggy says
Should this recipe work just as well using granular erythritol rather than cane sugar! I’m sugar-free.
Elizabeth says
I haven’t tested it with erythritol but I have tested it without sugar and it worked great. So you could just omit the sugar. The bread turns out a little drier when made without sugar but the taste is fanstsic.
John says
Made this today came out great is now my go to recipe.
Esther Ward says
Hello Elizabeth, a huge THANK YOU for this wonderful recipe! I have made it twice, and turned out well both times. I have a Sunbeam Quantum Smartbake and put it on large loaf with medium crust.
For any vegans out there, I wanted to share what I did, and that it worked. For the milk, I used Soy milk. For the “half and half” I used water. I make my own vegan butter with a recipe from Full of Plants, which is based on cashew nuts and coconut oil.
The first time I added in 1/4 cup each of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and sultanas. This time I popped in some sunflower seeds, sultanas and chopped walnuts. My machine has a little drawer that drops them, but it doesn’t seem to work reliably anymore, so I simply added these ingredients in with the flour, sugar and salt. The milks, waters and oil went in first, then the flour mix on top, then the yeast on top of that.
I appreciate your sharing this Elizabeth. Thank you again, Cheers Esther
Sheryl says
Came out perfectly – thank you for a great recipe!
Toni Sager says
Hi, I made this whole wheat bread in my new bread machine and it turned out great! I was looking for a recipe that used whole wheat flour and came across this one. Thank you for the recipe. I will be making this again real soon.
Joanne says
This is the ‘best’ basic bread recipe that I have ever used! The bread is moist and tasty! I have a 1.5 and 2.0 lb setting on my bread machine. I used 2.0. The loaf took 3 hours to bake. I used organic whole wheat flour along with the other ingredients and the loaf turned out beautifully. If I could send a picture I would. My loaf looks exactly the same as the picture you have posted. Do you have any more bread recipes? If so I’d love to try them..
Jane Sanderson says
Hi, I’m sure you are aware that salt kills yeast. In every bread maker recipe I have and have read on the www, salt and sugar are always added with the liquids then the flour and lastly the yeast. X
Elizabeth says
Whisking the salt and sugar into the flour solves this problem.
Florisel Parra-Waurynchuk says
Great recipe. Delicious and simple. My family keeps asking for more bread!
Marguerite says
Outstanding! Delicious and soft. Thank you so much!
Rebecca Frye says
Just put this in the bread maker. There’s no egg. I don’t remember making bread with no eggs before.
Excited to see how this comes out ?
Kathy says
Egg-enriched breads are the exception, not the rule. You might enjoy perusing some bread-only cookbooks from the library.
Elle says
This bread has turned out beautifully on a consistent basis for me. It’s so easy to make. I have a Zo w/the preheat. I threw a loaf of this together today during a 10-minute break during a webinar.
Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Russ says
Just got a breadmaker, and used this recipe for first go. I’ve switched to whole wheat, and loved it! I used honey and buttermilk instead of sugar and half & half. I was thinking of using this recipe for other things, besides loaf of bread. Like a pizza dough in a cast iron or a family bierrocks recipe, instead of a non-whole wheat dough recipe. Love it being 100% whole wheat, and going to use it often.
Donna says
This looks great and can’t wait to try it! If I use White Wheat flour, are the amounts the same as for regular Whole Wheat or are they different??
Geeta says
A wheat bread with no veg! Wow, that’s a first!! Got to try this.
Sylvia Kendall says
Has anyone tried this with sesame seeds rather than sunflower seeds? How did it turn out? I’m going to give this recipe a try. It looks really good and all the reviewers seem to really like it 🙂
Donna says
Could White Wheat be used in this recipe??
Hope says
This is easily, hands down, the best bread recipe I have ever tried. I literally dumped everything in the order it was listed and pressed start. 3.5 hours later, I have amazing delicious bread. I didn’t have half and half but I had powdered heavy cream so I mixed up a little of that and added a little water to it. I’ll be making this over and over. Thank you!
Sherri London says
I love this recipe!!! Best Whole Wheat Bread ever! I make several loaves in a day using my KBS 17-in-1 Bread machine. I did this initially back in August and froze 3 of the 4 loaves. I defrosted them as needed in my refrigerator and they tasted great. I wrap them individually in food storage bags, then place them in a Ziplock freezer bag and they maintain their freshness, IMHO. My only question is do you have any nutrition facts? I’ve been on a diet and exercise lifestyle change since last December and have lost 60+ lbs. I use my Fitbit to log my food and monitor my caloric intake. I understand it depends on the size of a slice, but I can weigh it and adjust based on ounces. If you don’t, no problem. I will continue to use an alternative methodology. Thanks again for a great recipe.
Robbie says
Best bread I have ever made!! Thank you!!
Nana (Lois) says
I have made this recipe a few times and love the texture and flavor of the bread
Dee says
Why do you use the White Bread setting instead of the Whole Wheat setting for this recipe? I’m new to the world of bread machines and plan on making this.
Elizabeth says
Some machines don’t have a whole wheat setting. I tested it with the white and whole wheat setting on mine and there was no difference.
Sheila says
Would you be able to replace the butter with olive oil ? I’m not suppose to have butter.
Elizabeth says
Yes! This bread works great with olive oil.
Saijai says
Excellent outcome. I used greek yokurt instead of half&half. Thank you for your sharing.
Kristine says
So I modified this recipe and used heaped tablespoons of coconut oil instead of butter , unsweetened soy milk instead of the milk and half and half and then did 400g sprouted whole wheat flour and 50g vital wheat gluten . It is probably my favourite bread I have ever made ! Stays soft and moist ! So good for sandwiches.
Jean says
Should I be using whole milk or would a reduced fat milk work as well?
Elizabeth says
They both work! Whole milk adds a nice richness. But use whatever you have on hand.
Elaine Marchant says
I just made this but was not too successful. I used water and milk powder and measured everything by weight. It only raised just over half way what it should be. Should I have done the flour by weight and the liquid by cup?
Elizabeth says
Hi Elaine,
This recipe does not call for water or milk powder. If it didn’t rise, it could be the yeast or the changes you made to the recipe. Measuring by weight is always a good idea if you have a kitchen scale!
Sharon Prior says
I wasn’t sure if this recipe would work since it’s the first time I used whole wheat all purpose flour instead of bread flour. I followed the recipe exactly and was amazed with the results!! Thank you so much for this recipe! So easy and so good!!!
Gayle Campbell says
Not always a whole-wheat fan but it is my go-to bread! I sometimes tweak it with just milk (no cream) or mix them & use both, use honey, use sugar; it’s always fabulous!!
Thank you. ☺️
Sharon Preston says
I’ll be trying this soon. Can I use almond milk? An water?
Elizabeth says
Yes. Almond milk and/or water works great in this bread. It won’t be as rich. So the bread might stale a little fast. Enjoy!
Nancy Phillippi says
I accidentally put a tablespoon and a half of sugar and realized it when I was loading my machine. Do you think it’ll be okay or too sweet? I hate to start over.
Elizabeth says
Hi Nancy,
That should work! If you mean you added an extra tablespoon and a half of sugar, the loaf will have a little extra sweetness but shouldn’t taste sugary. If you used 1 1/2 tablespoons total, that’s half what the recipe calls for. So you’ll be fine!
Enjoy!
Nancy Phillippi says
It came out delicious! Thank you so much for your recipe.
Mayga says
I love this recipe. I was looking for this recipe thought I had printed it. Drove me crazy that I could not find it. Good thing I found it on line again this time I printed it. I like that it uses milk and that really makes a difference. Bread comes out soft and tasty. Best recipe for bread maker whole wheat bread. : -)
Elizabeth says
Glad you found it again!