Wheat Berry Bread Recipes

This Wheat Berry Bread Recipe delivers hearty texture, nutty flavor, and wholesome nutrition in every slice perfect for toast, sandwiches, or snacking! 🍞🌾

Introduction

If you’re looking to bring wholesome, rustic flavor into your kitchen, Wheat Berry Bread Recipes are a must-try. Packed with hearty texture and earthy flavor, wheat berry bread is made using whole, cooked wheat berries that add a satisfying chew and a boost of nutrition. These small, nutty grains essentially whole wheat kernels bring depth to each slice and elevate your everyday bread beyond basic loaves.

What makes Wheat Berry Bread Recipes stand out is the balance between a chewy interior and a crisp crust, making them ideal for toast, sandwiches, or even serving alongside soups and stews. The slow-cooked wheat berries provide a rich, toothsome bite, while the bread’s structure remains soft and airy thanks to a well-developed dough. Whether you’re using white whole wheat flour or a mix of bread flour and whole grain, the result is both flavorful and nourishing.

From artisan bakers to home bread enthusiasts, more people are searching for Wheat Berry Bread Recipes not only for taste but also for the health benefits. Rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, wheat berries support digestion and long-lasting energy. Plus, with a bit of prep, they can be adapted into sourdough recipes, sandwich loaves, or even rolls offering flexibility for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Embrace the heartiness of whole grains with this rewarding homemade bread experience.

Wheat Berry Bread Recipe

This Wheat Berry Bread Recipe combines soft, chewy wheat berries with a hearty, homemade bread dough to create a rustic, nutritious loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or simply slathered with butter. ✅ Servings 4 people (makes 1 large loaf) ✅ Estimated Cost $4 ✅ Times Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 days 0 hours 40 minutes Resting Time: 0 days 2 hours 0 minutes (proofing & cooling) Total Time: 0 days 3 hours 0 minutes ✅ Categories Breads & Baked Goods Whole Grain Recipes Healthy Baking Rustic Recipes ✅ Courses Breakfast Lunch Side Dish ✅ Cuisines American European Rustic ✅ Keywords Wheat Berry Bread Recipe, Homemade Whole Grain Bread, Rustic Wheat Bread, Hearty Wheat Berry Loaf, Healthy Homemade Bread

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

2 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American, European

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Wheat Berries Pre-cooked:
• Amount Unit Name Notes
• 3/4 cup Wheat berries Rinsed and soaked overnight
• 2 cups Water For cooking wheat berries
• Bread Dough:
• Amount Unit Name Notes
• 3 cups Bread flour Or all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole wheat flour For added heartiness
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 1/4 cups Warm water ~105°F/40°C
• 2 tsp Active dry yeast Or instant yeast
• 1 tbsp Honey Adds a mild sweetness
• 2 tbsp Olive oil Or melted butter

Equipment

• Amount Name Notes
• 1 Mixing bowl For mixing dough
• 1 Dutch oven or loaf pan For baking
• 1 Saucepan To cook wheat berries
• 1 Dough scraper Optional but helpful
• 1 Kitchen towel For covering dough

Method

 

1. Cook the Wheat Berries: Drain soaked wheat berries. Simmer in 2 cups of water for 45–50 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain and cool.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the Dough: Add flours, salt, olive oil, and cooled wheat berries. Mix until dough forms.
4. Knead: Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Cover bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
6. Shape and Proof: Punch down dough, shape into a round or log, and place into a greased loaf pan or on parchment. Let rise 30–45 minutes.
7. Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool: Let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
9. ✅ Nutrition (Per Serving – estimate)
10. Calories: 280 kcal
11. Carbohydrates: 45g
12. Protein: 8g
13. Fat: 6g
14. Fiber: 5g

Notes

Cook extra wheat berries and freeze for future loaves.

For added texture, mix in sunflower seeds or oats before shaping.

Substitute maple syrup or molasses for honey if desired.

✅ FAQs: Wheat Berry Bread Recipe

Q1: Can I make this bread without soaking the wheat berries?
A: No, soaking is essential for softening the berries and ensuring even cooking and texture.

Q2: What flour works best in this recipe?
A: A mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour provides the best texture and rise.

Q3: Can I use a sourdough starter instead of yeast?
A: Yes! Just adjust hydration and fermentation times accordingly.

Q4: Is this bread freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely slice and freeze for quick, wholesome toast anytime.

Q5: Can I bake this in a Dutch oven?
A: Yes! For a crustier loaf, bake in a preheated Dutch oven for a more artisan feel.

🔄 Share Your Twist!

Did you add seeds, swap in rye, or bake it into rolls? 🌾🍞
Share your version of this Wheat Berry Bread Recipe in the comments or tag us with #GrainLoveBaking!