Baking your own bread doesn’t have to be complicated. This healthy bread recipe is made with simple, clean ingredients like whole wheat flour and oats. It’s soft, tasty, and perfect for everyday meals. Whether you’re making toast in the morning or a light sandwich for lunch, this bread fits right in. If you want something homemade, easy, and good for you—this is it.
Why We Love This
There’s something special about pulling a warm, homemade loaf from your oven—especially when you know it’s made with real, wholesome ingredients. This healthy bread recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly versatile.
Here’s why it’s a staple in so many kitchens:
Everyday Friendly: Whether you’re making toast, sandwiches, or just enjoying a slice on its own, this is a go-to loaf that fits into any routine.
Clean Ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour, oats, and a touch of natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, this loaf skips the preservatives and added sugars found in store-bought bread.
High in Fiber: Whole grains and oats bring a satisfying texture and plenty of fiber, keeping you full and fueled throughout the day.
Soft and Flavorful: Despite being a healthy option, this bread stays soft on the inside with a lightly crisp crust that’s perfect for slicing.
Ingredients with Quantity
Whole Wheat Flour – Gives the bread its hearty texture and fiber. Don’t substitute with all-purpose flour, as it will affect the texture.
Old-Fashioned Oats – These add softness and fiber. If you don’t have oats, ground flaxseeds can be an alternative.
Active Dry Yeast – Helps the bread rise. It can’t be replaced with baking powder or soda.
Olive Oil – Adds moisture and flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil.
Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness. You can use less or substitute with stevia if preferred.
Instructions
Making this healthy bread recipe is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, homemade loaf ready to enjoy. Let’s walk through it together:
Activate the yeast – Mix warm water and honey/maple syrup in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough – Add olive oil, salt, oats, and whole wheat flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough – Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Add more flour if it’s too sticky.
Let it rise – Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaf – Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second rise – Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 30–40 minutes until it puffs up.
Bake the bread – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until it is golden brown and hollow when tapped.
Cool and slice – Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Pro Tips
Baking bread at home is all about getting the little details just right. These pro tips will ensure your healthy bread recipe turns out perfect every time:
Measure your flour correctly
Flour can settle during storage, so it’s best to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the dough dense, so be mindful of the measurements.
Use warm, not hot water
The water should feel comfortably warm to the touch, around 110°F (45°C). Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
Knead until smooth
Don’t rush the kneading process. Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its texture. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the loaf soft.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot
Yeast loves warmth. Find a cozy, draft-free spot for the dough to rise, like near a warm oven or in a sunny spot on your counter. A slow, steady rise yields a fluffier loaf.
Check for doneness with a tap
To check if your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
Let it cool before slicing
As tempting as it is to dive into that warm loaf, giving the bread time to cool will help it hold its shape and make slicing easier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations
While this healthy bread recipe is delicious as is, there are so many ways you can make it your own. Whether you’re craving extra flavor or want to sneak in a few more nutrients, here are some easy variations to try:
Add seeds for extra crunch
If you love a bit of texture, try adding ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds to the dough. These little additions boost the fiber content and give your bread a satisfying crunch.
Incorporate herbs or spices
For a savory twist, mix in some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder for a subtle flavor kick. This is a great way to enhance your bread if you plan on pairing it with soups or salads.
Sweeten it up with dried fruit
For a naturally sweet loaf, fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots. These will add a lovely burst of sweetness without the need for refined sugars, making your bread even more nutritious.
Make it gluten-free
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a little xanthan gum to help with texture and structure.
Serving Suggestion: Soup Companion
This healthy bread is the perfect companion to a bowl of your favorite soup. Its hearty texture and slightly sweet flavor pair beautifully with rich, flavorful broths. Try it with a classic tomato basil soup or a vegetable lentil soup for a wholesome and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up the delicious flavors of the soup, and adding an extra layer of comfort to your dish.
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FAQs
How do I store this healthy bread?
To keep your bread fresh, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If you don’t plan on eating it within a few days, you can also slice the bread and freeze individual pieces. Simply toast them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make this bread without yeast?
While yeast gives this bread its lovely rise, you could try substituting with baking powder for a quicker, no-yeast version. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter loaf. However, keep in mind that the bread will have a slightly different texture and may not be as hearty.
Why is my bread dense?
A dense loaf can occur if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or if too much flour was added during the process. Make sure you knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, and always measure your flour accurately.
Can I add other ingredients, like seeds or nuts?
Yes! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overstuff the dough to maintain a light and airy loaf.
healthy bread recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Activate the yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey or maple syrup. Stir gently, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Mix the dough
- Add the olive oil, salt, oats, and whole wheat flour to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture starts to come together into a shaggy dough.
Knead the dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. You’re aiming for a soft, workable dough.
Let it rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaf
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second rise
- Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 30–40 minutes until it puffs up just over the edge of the pan.
Bake the bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and slice
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps lock in moisture and makes cutting easier.