Seeded Bread Recipe

Seeded Bread Recipe! This homemade bread is packed with a variety of seeds for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with butter and jam.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser bread)
1 cup mixed seeds (such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds)
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C, for activating the yeast)
1/4 cup warm milk (optional, for a softer texture)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Optional Topping:

Extra mixed seeds, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine Yeast and Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar (or honey) and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and mixed seeds. Stir to distribute the seeds evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the activated yeast mixture, warm milk (if using), and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.

Step 3: First Rise

Grease a Bowl: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat it with the oil.
Cover and Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

Punch Down and Shape: Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by folding it into a rectangular shape, then rolling it up.
Place in Pan: Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it rises just above the rim of the pan.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Topping

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Add Topping: Brush the top of the loaf lightly with water or milk, then sprinkle additional seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Choose Your Seeds: Use any combination of seeds you enjoy, like sunflower, pumpkin, chia, sesame, and flaxseeds. You can also add nuts for extra texture.
Avoid Dense Bread: If you prefer a lighter loaf, use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour or use a 50/50 mix of both.
Check Doneness: For extra assurance, the internal temperature of the bread should reach 190°F (88°C) when done.

Serving Suggestions

Toast It: This bread makes excellent toast topped with avocado, eggs, or even a drizzle of honey.
Sandwich Bread: Use it for hearty sandwiches; the seeds add a nice crunch.
Pair with Soups: A slice of this bread pairs well with soups, stews, or salads.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

This Seeded Bread is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying with its nutty flavors and hearty texture. Enjoy baking and savoring each wholesome slice!