Jamie Oliver’s wholemeal bread recipe is a perfect option for those looking to bake a healthy, hearty, and delicious loaf at home. Wholemeal bread is packed with fiber and has a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe will help you create a wholesome loaf that is great for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoyed on its own.
What is Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread?
Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is a rustic, homemade bread made using wholemeal flour, which retains the bran and germ of the wheat grain. This type of bread is known for its rich, earthy flavor and chewy texture, making it a nutritious and delicious alternative to white bread. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Uses wholemeal flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike.
- A deliciously nutty flavor with a chewy crust.
- Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for soups and stews.
- Freezes well, making it convenient to make in batches.
- The aroma of fresh-baked bread fills your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Wholemeal flour (500g): The base of the bread, provides fiber and a nutty taste.
- Fast-action yeast (7g): Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
- Warm water (300ml): Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Optional, but it adds a slight sweetness and feeds the yeast.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease your loaf tin.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the wholemeal flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm water, olive oil, and honey (if using), and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf tin.
- Second rise: Let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes until it reaches the top of the tin.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
What Goes Well with Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread?
- Butter and jam: A classic, simple topping for warm slices.
- Avocado: For a healthy, savory toast option.
- Cheese: Pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar or brie.
- Soup: Perfect for dipping into a hearty vegetable or tomato soup.
- Honey and butter: A sweet topping that complements the nutty flavor of the bread.
- Eggs: Serve toasted with scrambled or poached eggs for a nutritious breakfast.
- Hummus: Ideal for spreading over toasted slices for a light snack or lunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Use warm water: Ensure the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. It should be just warm to the touch.
- Knead well: Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Let the dough rise fully: Be patient during the rising stages to allow the yeast to work properly.
- Brush with olive oil: Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil for a crispy, golden crust.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming gummy inside.
- Add seeds for extra crunch: Mix in sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Add seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds into the dough for added crunch and nutrition.
- Sweeten it up: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a slightly sweet twist.
- Use different flours: Mix wholemeal flour with white bread flour for a lighter texture.
- Add herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be mixed into the dough for a herby, savory loaf.
- Sprinkle with oats: Add oats to the top of the dough before baking for a rustic finish.
- Make it vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup or leave it out for a fully vegan loaf.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Store in an airtight container: Once completely cooled, store the loaf in an airtight container or bread bin to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: You can refrigerate the bread, though this may cause it to dry out faster.
- Freeze the loaf: Slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.
- Use a bread bag: If available, store the loaf in a reusable bread bag to maintain its freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread
- Use the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and warm the loaf for 10 minutes for a freshly baked feel.
- Microwave for a softer slice: Heat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overdoing it as the bread can become chewy.
- Toast from frozen: Frozen slices can be toasted directly from the freezer for convenience.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread Healthier?
- Reduce salt: Lower the salt content to reduce sodium.
- Add flaxseeds or chia seeds: These boost the fiber and omega-3 content of the bread.
- Use a mixture of wholemeal and spelt flour: Spelt is a more easily digestible grain that can make the loaf lighter and more nutritious.
- Opt for olive oil: Using olive oil instead of butter gives you healthy fats.
- Skip the honey: To reduce sugar, simply omit the honey or replace it with a natural sugar-free alternative.
Nutrition Value (per slice):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
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Jamie Oliver Wholemeal Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is a rustic, homemade bread made using wholemeal flour, which retains the bran and germ of the wheat grain. This type of bread is known for its rich, earthy flavor and chewy texture, making it a nutritious and delicious alternative to white bread. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.
Ingredients
- Wholemeal flour (500g): The base of the bread, provides fiber and a nutty taste.
- Fast-action yeast (7g): Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
- Warm water (300ml): Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Optional, but it adds a slight sweetness and feeds the yeast.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease your loaf tin.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the wholemeal flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm water, olive oil, and honey (if using), and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf tin.
- Second rise: Let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes, until it reaches the top of the tin.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Final Words
Baking Jamie Oliver’s Wholemeal Bread is a rewarding and straightforward process that results in a nutritious and flavorful loaf. With its hearty texture and nutty flavor, this bread is a great addition to any meal. Experiment with seeds, herbs, or dried fruit to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread with every slice!
