Baking bread at home can be both rewarding and delicious.
Today, we're going to guide you through the process of making soft, flavorful homemade multigrain bread.
The best part? You can make your own multigrain flour at home, or use a ready-made multigrain cereal mix if you're in a rush. Let's find into the details of this wonderful recipe!
Ingredients for Multigrain Bread
To make our multigrain bread, you'll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here's what you'll need:
• 1 ½ cups of multigrain flour (or multigrain cereal mix)
• 2 ¾ cups of boiling water
• 4 tablespoons of butter (plus extra to grease your loaf pans)
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 2 ½ teaspoons of instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon of vital wheat gluten (optional, but it helps make the bread softer)
• 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/3 cup of rolled oats (for topping; optional seeds like flax, sunflower, or sesame can also work)
Step 1: Prepare the Multigrain Mixture
The first step in making this bread is preparing the multigrain base. Start by adding the multigrain flour to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour the boiling water over the flour and stir it with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms a thick paste. Then, add the butter and stir until it's fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes, making sure it's warm to the touch but not hot, before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Add Honey, Yeast, and Vital Wheat Gluten
Once the mixture has cooled enough, stir in the honey until it's well combined. Next, sprinkle in the instant yeast and the vital wheat gluten (if you're using it). It's essential to wait until the mixture is lukewarm to avoid killing the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast, which is crucial for making your bread rise.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now, it's time to add the all-purpose flour. Add it ¼ cup at a time, mixing and kneading as you go. You can knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If the dough sticks to the spatula, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. A soft dough results in soft bread, so keep it on the stickier side.
Step 4: First Proofing
Once the dough is kneaded and smooth, form it into a ball and cover the bowl with a plate or clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Proofing is important as it allows the yeast to work and helps the bread become airy and light.
Step 5: Adding Salt and Kneading Again
After the first rise, sprinkle the dough with salt. Knead the dough for another 5 minutes to evenly distribute the salt. This will help give the bread its final flavor and texture. After kneading, form the dough into a smooth ball again, cover it, and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 6: Prepare Loaf Pans and Second Proofing
While the dough is proofing for the second time, grease two loaf pans with cold butter. Using cold butter is easier, as it helps you coat the pans in a thin, even layer. After the second rise, cut the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a loaf shape, then lightly moisten the top of each loaf with water. Roll the tops in rolled oats or seeds of your choice. Place the loaves in the greased pans, oat-side up, and let them rise for one more hour.
Step 7: Baking the Bread
Once the dough has gone through the final rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves in the middle of the oven for about 35 minutes or until they are golden brown. To check if the bread is done, tap it lightly; if it sounds hollow, it's ready.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes before removing it from the pans. Transfer the loaves to a cooling rack to prevent them from steaming inside the pan. Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy! It's perfect for spreading butter, making sandwiches, or simply eating on its own.
Making homemade multigrain bread is not only satisfying but also an incredibly rewarding experience. With simple ingredients and a little patience, we can bake a loaf of bread that's perfect for any occasion. The soft texture, combined with the nutritious grains, makes this bread a great choice for breakfast or a healthy snack.
So, next time you're in the mood for some fresh bread, why not try this recipe and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of homemade multigrain bread right from your kitchen?
