Whole wheat sourdough bread
Homemade, nutritious whole wheat sourdough bread with a thick layer of butter and jam is the best breakfast! Learn how to make this bread with our easy-to-follow steps.
Why you will love this whole wheat sourdough recipe
- This bread is 100% whole wheat!
- Whole wheat flour gives the dough a nutty flavor and is perfect to incorporate fiber and other nutrients into your diet.
- The recipe is super easy to make.
- It is very versatile! To make your bread extra special, add your favorite nuts and seeds or fruit like apples and blueberries.
Ingredient notes
Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a mild nutty flavor to your bread.
Sourdough starter: To make this bread, you need an active sourdough starter. You can use a regular starter, but if you want to make this leaf 100% whole wheat, you can create a whole wheat sourdough starter!
Salt: Adding salt to the dough is very important. Salt enhances the flavor of your bread and strengthens the dough. I prefer using sea salt, but you can use any salt you prefer.
How to make sourdough bread with whole wheat flour
Day one
On day one, you make your dough. After letting it rest for about half an hour, you start with a series of stretch and folds and cover your bowl for the bulk ferment. You don’t have to do anything else today.
Day two
Today, you shape your dough. You do this by pulling all the ‘corners’ into the center of your dough and, after repeating this step a few times, pulling the dough towards you. This will strengthen the dough.
Let it rise for another three hours before scoring the dough with your favorite pattern and baking it in a preheated oven.
Our tips for the best whole wheat sourdough bread
- Learn how to ‘read’ your dough. Because every brand of flour absorbs moisture differently, it is always a good idea to learn how to tell if your dough needs less or more water.
- Use grams instead of volume to measure out your ingredients.
- Make a whole wheat sourdough starter to make this bread, 100% whole wheat!
Frequently asked questions
Whole wheat sourdough bread is a healthier choice than bread made with white flour because it has higher fiber content and additional nutrients.
Yes! I always make this bread with whole wheat flour, so if you also use a whole wheat starter, you absolutely can!
Storage
Whole wheat sourdough bread stays fresh for up to three days when stored in a paper or plastic bag at room temperature. Never store bread in the fridge, as it will dry out more quickly.
If you don’t need an entire loaf of bread, you can store it in the freezer. When frozen, it will keep for up to six months. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy the bread, let it thaw on the counter overnight.
More sourdough bread recipes you will love
Whole wheat sourdough bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter 100 grams
- 4 cups whole wheat flour 500 grams
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 10 grams
- 2 cups water 470 grams (you might need more!)
Instructions
Day one
- Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl and keep mixing until you have a smooth dough. You might need to add more water depending on the flour you are using.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before you begin with the stretch and folds.
- Pull all the sides of your dough into the center to create a ball.
- Repeat this step 4 times letting the dough rest for 20 minutes between each set.
- Cover the dough and let it bulk ferment for 8-12 hours.
Day two
- After the bulk ferment, you need to shape your dough.
- Tuck the sides into the center and pull the dough towards you.
- Place your dough seam down in a banneton and let it rise for 2-3 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450 F (230 C) and place a heatproof bowl with water on the bottom of your oven to create steam.
- Transfer your bread to a lined baking tray and score the dough with your favorite pattern.
- Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake your bread for 20 minutes.
- Remove the bowl of water and lower the temperature to 380 F (190 C).
- Bake the bread for 20-30 more minutes before removing it from the oven and letting it cool completely on a cooling rack.
Amazing recipe! I love that it uses only 4 ingredients! 🤩🤩🤩
I’ve been looking for a whole wheat sourdough bread recipe, and this one is PERFECT!