Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread Rustic Homemade Delight

A delicious, rustic homemade crusty whole wheat Italian bread that could easily become a favorite for both kids and adults alike. See the recipe below.

Rustic whole wheat Italian bread

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups of water (105-115 deg F)
  • 2 tablespoon light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal, for dusting baking sheet

Directions

~~ For Bread Machine ~~

  • Add all ingredients except cornmeal to bread machine pan in the proper area for your machine
  • Select dough cycle and start machine

~~ Conventional Method ~~

  • In large bowl, dissolve yeast, brown sugar and ginger in warm water.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes until yeast forms.
  • Add salt and bread flour, then beat well.
  • Stir in whole wheat flour to make a stiff dough.
  • Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead 10 minutes or until dough is springy, smooth and satiny.
  • Wash bowl, grease it, and add dough to in bowl, then turn over to grease top.
  • Let rise in a warm place until it doubles in bulk, about 1 hour.

~~ Shaping and Baking ~~

  • Lightly oil or grease a 14X17″ baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal, then set aside.
  • Punch down the dough.
  • Divide in half and, on a lightly floured surface, shape into long loaves, rolling each piece first into a 5X12″ rectangle, then rolling each up along the long side to make long, narrow loaf.
  • Pinch edges to seal, and taper ends.
  • Place loaves, seam side down, on prepared baking sheet
  • Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  • Make 4-5 slashes across each loaf with sharp knife.
  • Brush each loaf with water and sprinkle with whole wheat flour.
  • Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, until loaves are browned and crisp.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • NOTE: I use a spray bottle filled with water and spray the loaves and oven walls once or twice at 5-minute intervals at the beginning of baking.

Whole wheat Italian bread fresh slices

Nothing beats the aroma and taste of the freshly baked bread 🙂 The kids are always wearing big smiles at the sight of the cut slices as they inhale the smells of this homemade delight.

One Response

  1. Carolyn Wootton May 4, 2020

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