Seeded Bread

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Kitchen towel
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seed Mix

• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

For Topping

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Extra mixed seeds for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add the olive oil, salt, and bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Mix in all the seeds, reserving a small amount for topping later.
3. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 8 minutes. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. A warm kitchen helps the dough rise faster. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl near a warm oven.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough gently to release excess air.
2. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for a rustic free-form loaf.
3. Cover loosely and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Seed Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash. Sprinkle generously with the reserved mixed seeds.
3. The egg wash helps the seeds stick while giving the crust a beautiful golden shine.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
2. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

1. Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack.
2. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon may result in a gummy texture because the bread is still finishing its internal cooking process.

Nutrition

Protein: , and antioxidants. Sesame Seeds Provide calcium and minerals. Adding seeds to bread increases both texture and nutritional value, making this loaf more satisfying than regular white bread. · Fat: s. Flaxseeds Excellent source of · Fiber: and omega-3