I enjoy a nice hearty bread. This bread machine wheat bread is indeed hearty without being overwhelming. You can make this recipe using either the basic or wheat setting on your machine.
Last Updated on May 18, 2026 – Originally Posted July 13, 2009
Featured Comment
Made a loaf of this wheat bread tonight. Came out great and will have to make at least 2 loaves tomorrow. This is going to be my new sandwich bread. Love it, thanks again! ~ Karl
We don’t have wheat bread very often at our house because the Man of the House isn’t a fan. I, however, enjoy a substantial loaf now and then, and this recipe delivers a hearty bread with a pleasant flavor and good crumb.
What Bread Setting to Use?
Many machines offer both basic (white) and wheat settings. This recipe combines bread flour and whole wheat flour, so you can use either setting—basic or wheat—with good results. Use the medium crust option unless you prefer lighter or darker crust.
Low Salt Version (Reader Tested)
One reader shared a successful low-sodium adaptation:
- Reduce the salt to 3/4 teaspoon
- Add an additional 3/4 teaspoon sugar
She reported it “turned out great” in her Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus and recommended trying the light crust setting next time. Her calculations showed about 90 mg sodium per thin slice.
Making Wheat Bread in the Bread Machine
This recipe yields a two-pound loaf. Use either the basic or wheat setting with medium crust.
Follow the ingredient order recommended by your bread machine manual. In many machines I add the liquids first, then dry ingredients, and yeast last.
Check the dough five to ten minutes into the kneading cycle. Open the lid and inspect the dough: it should form a smooth, rounded ball that cleans the sides of the pan.
Here’s an example of a well-kneaded dough so you know what to look for:
If the dough looks too dry, add liquid (water) one teaspoon at a time until it comes together. If it looks too wet and sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it forms a smooth ball.
Bread Machine Wheat Bread Recipe
This makes a two-pound loaf. Use either the basic or wheat setting with medium crust.
1 1/2 cups Water
2 2/3 cups Bread Flour
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
Place ingredients in your machine according to its instructions—typically liquids first, then dry ingredients, and yeast last. Start the selected program and allow the machine to knead, rise, and bake.
When the loaf is finished, remove it promptly from the pan and cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. For best texture and slicing, let the bread rest at least 20–30 minutes before cutting.
This straightforward wheat bread produces a flavorful, versatile loaf suitable for sandwiches or toasting. Adjust salt and sugar to taste, and tweak the crust setting to your preference.