Don’t be shy about learning to bake homemade wheat bread! This basic white bread recipe is made healthy by swapping out the white flour for a basic whole wheat bread recipe!
In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until it bubbles.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Add yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a dough forms.
Lightly flour surface and knead dough for 10 minutes (or using stand mixer for 2 minutes). Put dough back into bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Grease 9"x 4" loaf pan with butter.
Preheat oven to 425F. Lightly flour surface. Gently punch down dough, about 4-5 times. Knead for 3 minutes. Shape into a rectangle, tucking end under to make a nice top surface. Put dough into loaf pan and cover with a damp towel. Let dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
If using sunflower seeds, brush top of loaf with milk and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
Bake on center rack for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from loaf pan to cool. Tapping on the bottom should sound hollow when fully baked.
Notes
To make rolls: In step 5, shape dough into 8 balls, flatten slightly. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover with damp towel, rise for 30 mins. Brush, sprinkle and bake 20-25 minutes.