great harvest honey whole wheat bread recipe

Lemon

3 min read

·

01-02-2025

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Are you dreaming of that warm, slightly sweet, and wonderfully textured honey whole wheat bread you find at your local bakery? Stop dreaming and start baking! This recipe, inspired by the renowned Great Harvest Bread Company's style, will guide you through creating a loaf that rivals—and might even surpass—your favorite bakery's version. This isn't just any recipe; it's a journey to achieving perfectly crusty, intensely flavorful, and incredibly satisfying homemade bread.

Why This Recipe Works: Mastering the Art of Honey Whole Wheat

Great Harvest's honey whole wheat bread is beloved for its unique characteristics. This recipe captures that essence by focusing on several key elements:

• High-Quality Ingredients: We'll use freshly milled whole wheat flour for maximum nutritional value and flavor. The honey adds not just sweetness but also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown crust and moist crumb.
• Proper Hydration: Achieving the right dough consistency is critical. We'll use a slightly wetter dough to develop the characteristic chewiness of this bread.
• Careful Kneading: This recipe emphasizes gentle yet thorough kneading to fully develop the gluten, resulting in a tender yet robust loaf.
• Slow Fermentation: We'll allow ample time for fermentation, allowing the flavors to deepen and the dough to rise properly. This process is crucial for that signature Great Harvest taste.

Ingredients: Gathering Your Baking Essentials

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (freshly milled, if possible, for optimal flavor)
• 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Loaf

1. Activating the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

2. Combining Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and bread flour, alternating with the salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Kneading the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 6-8 minutes.

4. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shaping the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf.

6. Second Rise (Proofing): Place the shaped loaf in a lightly oiled loaf pan or a banneton (a proofing basket). Cover and let rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until almost doubled.

7. Baking the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

8. Cooling and Enjoying: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success: Achieving Bakery-Quality Results

• Freshly Milled Flour: Using freshly milled whole wheat flour significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the bread.
• Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough, but stop kneading once it's achieved.
• Oven Temperature: Monitor your oven temperature carefully. Adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the bread to cool completely helps develop its crumb structure and prevents a soggy interior.

This recipe empowers you to replicate the delightful taste and texture of Great Harvest honey whole wheat bread right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and relish the delicious reward of your homemade loaf!