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Brown-Bread-Recipe

Brown Bread

This brown bread features a mouthwatering flavor and simple ingredients like whole wheat flour and honey. Perfect for a quick dinner or comfort meal, it’s a wholesome addition to any table.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1–1/2 teaspoons instant yeast (dry active yeast will also work)
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups bread flour plus extra if needed
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder dutch process if you have it on hand!
  • 1–1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, but not hot
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal for the base of bread
  • 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • Butter for topping

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, add warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Add the sugar and whisk briefly, then let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Using the paddle attachment, stir in honey, molasses, and whole wheat flour until just combined. Scrape down the sides and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Add 2 cups of bread flour, cocoa powder, salt, and melted (but not hot) butter. Mix on low until dough comes together, about 2 to 3 minutes. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  4. Increase speed to 2 and knead for 8-12 minutes until the dough looks smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when pressed.
  5. Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil. Shape the dough into a ball, coat with oil, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. Dump the dough onto a clean surface, weigh it, and divide into 3 equal pieces. Shape each piece into an 8-inch baguette, pinching the edges underneath. Coat bottoms with cornmeal and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Let rise until doubled, about 30-60 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush tops with water and sprinkle oats before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  8. Let cool on the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with softened butter.

Notes

Ensure the water is not too hot when activating the yeast to achieve proper foaming.
Adjust flour gradually if the dough is too sticky during mixing.
Cool the bread completely before slicing for the best texture.

  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 140 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg