Why You’ll Love This Flax Bread Recipe
You’ll love this flax bread recipe for its incredible health benefits and delicious flavor. Flax seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making this bread a nutritious choice.
I find that it not only satisfies my cravings but also keeps me feeling full longer. The nutty taste of ground flax seeds adds a unique twist that elevates the ordinary bread experience.
Plus, it’s versatile! I can enjoy it toasted with avocado or as a base for sandwiches. Each bite feels wholesome, and I genuinely feel good knowing I’m fueling my body with something so healthy and tasty.
Ingredients of Flax Bread
Making flax bread isn’t only a great way to nourish your body, but it’s also a fun and rewarding cooking experience. The ingredients are straightforward, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already. So, let’s gather everything we need to whip up this healthy and delicious loaf. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Here’s what you’ll need for this flax bread recipe:
- 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup ground flax seeds (also known as flax meal)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant fast rising yeast
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup organic 2% low-fat milk (or regular milk if that’s what you have)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Now, let’s talk about some considerations regarding the ingredients. If you’re like me and sometimes find yourself knee-deep in flour and wondering why the kitchen looks like a baking tornado hit it, you might want to double-check your pantry before you start.
For instance, if you’re out of ground flax seeds, you can always make your own by grinding whole flax seeds in a blender or food processor. Just remember, freshly ground flax seeds pack a more potent nutritional punch.
And if you need to substitute the milk, any milk will work, but stick with the low-fat options if you’re trying to keep things a bit lighter.
How to Make Flax Bread
Making flax bread is a delightful adventure that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread. To kick things off, grab your 6 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and set aside 1 cup for later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour with 3/4 cup of ground flax seeds, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant fast-rising yeast. I know, it sounds like a lot of ingredients, but trust me, they come together beautifully.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: heat up 2 cups of water, 1 cup of organic 2% low-fat milk (or whatever milk you have on hand), and 1 tablespoon of canola oil until the mixture is hot to the touch, around 125-130°F (50-55°C). Just a quick note—this isn’t the time to boil your liquids, or you’ll end up with a bread disaster.
Once your liquids are ready, pour them into the dry mixture. Stir it all up until it forms a soft dough that doesn’t stick to the bowl. If you find it a bit too sticky, don’t hesitate to add in some of that reserved flour.
Now comes the fun part: turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes. I know what you’re thinking—kneading? That sounds like a workout. But hey, it’s a great way to work off that slice of cake you may have had for breakfast.
After your dough is smooth and elastic, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to clean up the flour explosion that probably took over your kitchen.
After the dough has rested, cut it in half and shape each piece into a loaf. Place those beauties into greased 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pans, cover them, and let them rise in a warm place until they double in size. It usually takes around 40-50 minutes, so maybe put your feet up and relax for a bit.
Once they’ve risen beautifully, it’s time to bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
When they come out of the oven, resist the urge to plunge in right away, and let those loaves cool on wire racks. And just like that, you’ve made a delicious, nutritious flax bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathering with butter. Enjoy!
Flax Bread Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting with flax bread, I discovered that there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make the recipe your own.
For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also replace some flax meal with chia seeds for a different texture.
If you’re looking for a sweeter loaf, add honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Incorporating herbs or spices, like rosemary or cinnamon, can elevate the flavor.
For a nuttier taste, consider adding chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
Experimenting with variations can lead to some delicious outcomes, but having a few additional tips can really improve your flax bread experience.
Make certain to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour while kneading.
I find that letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area helps it double in size perfectly. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices.
Finally, always let the bread cool completely before slicing; this guarantees a better texture and flavor. Enjoy your baking adventure!