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    Home » Bread Recipes

    Published: Jun 4, 2019 · Modified: May 17, 2024 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Quick Whole Wheat French Bread

    Jump to Recipe

    This quick whole wheat French bread recipe has a light and delicate crumb and a wonderful French bread flavor. It's one of the fastest French bread recipes I've ever made because the oven does all the work to eliminate the rise times.

    Vertical photo of slices of whole wheat French bread on a cutting board with a whole loaf in the background.

    My English Muffin Bread is another quick and easy yeast bread recipe that I know you're going to adore. It's chock full of nooks and crannies and toasts up beautifully!

    This recipe post and its contents may include affiliate links for your consideration. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but your prices are never increased as a result. Thank you.

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • How this recipe came to be:
    • The ingredient list for making quick whole wheat French bread:
    • Why this quick homemade French bread recipe works:
    • What is the key to making a quick French bread?
    • How can you tell when a loaf of bread is fully baked?
    • The quick and easy instructions:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    How this recipe came to be:

    The inspiration for this quick whole wheat French bread recipe came from my blogging friend, Jamie of Life's a Feast. When I saw her post three gorgeous loaves of what she was calling fast and fabulous French bread, I just knew I needed to try it.

    Naturally, I had to put my own spin to it, so I decided to switch up the flour, add some dried basil to the middle, and then add some sesame seeds to the top. I couldn't be happier with the results!

    Vertical image of sliced whole wheat French bread on a cutting board.

    The ingredient list for making quick whole wheat French bread:

    • All-Purpose Flour
    • Whole Wheat Flour
    • Honey
    • Active Dry Yeast
    • Butter
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Dried Basil
    • Garlic Powder
    • Sesame Seeds

    Why this quick homemade French bread recipe works:

    This recipe homemade French bread is super fast and fabulous. It comes together quickly in a large mixing bowl, and with no special equipment.

    Of course, the dough can also be kneaded in a stand mixer, but why?

    This bread is the type you whip up at the last minute when you want to impress but you don't have the time or desire to fool with a loaf of finicky yeast bread, but you still want that great homemade French bread taste!

    The basil and garlic are mild but definitely noticeable and the interior crumb of this bread is deliciously light and airy.

    What is the key to making a quick French bread?

    By starting the bread in a very low oven (175-degrees) it mimics a first yeast bread proofing, and it allows the dough to rise without the standard yeast dough time commitment.

    The second "rise" is done immediately after, at an increased oven temperature (400-degrees), for a short period of time. 

    Once the two "mock rise-times" are complete, reset the oven to 350-degrees and continue baking until the bread has completely risen and are fully baked through the middle. 

    How can you tell when a loaf of bread is fully baked?

    If the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, the bread is fully baked.

    If the sound is a hard, dense thud, the bread needs additional time in the oven.

    Loaf of whole wheat French bread in a bread basket with an orange napkin.

    The quick and easy instructions:

    • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
    • Add the honey and set aside until the mixture gets foamy.
    • Add the butter and salt into a large bowl and pour the boiling water in.
    • Stir until the butter melts and then add in the cold water.
    Yeast and water in a glass measuring cup.
    Melted butter and water in a silver mixing bowl.
    • After all the water has been added to the bowl, stir in the foamy yeast mixture.
    • In another large bowl, whisk together the flours.
    • Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in all but ½ - 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture.
    • Stir together until the dough is sticky, soft and supple.
    Yeast and water being added to a mixing bowl with melted butter.
    A yeast and water mixture in a silver mixing bowl with a wooden spatula.
    Whole wheat flour in a silver mixing bowl with a wooden spatula.
    • Add more flour if the dough seems to wet (like mine did).
    • A lot will depend on the amount of humidity in the air on baking day.
    A very wet whole wheat bread dough.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in additional flour by hand until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
    A shaggy whole wheat bread dough on the counter.
    A kneaded whole wheat bread dough on the counter.
    • Divide the dough into three equal portions.
    • Roll each portion out into a rectangle shape.
    • Lightly brush the rolled dough with a little water.
    • Sprinkle with dried basil and garlic powder.
    • Roll the dough lengthwise and tuck under the edges.
    A bread dough divided into 3 portions.
    a pastry brush brushing water onto bread dough.
    Garlic powder and dried basil spread onto a flattened portion of bread dough.
    • Transfer the loaves to a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Use a sharp paring knife to slash the tops of each loaf.
    • Brush each loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
    Three loaves of whole wheat French bread on a baking sheet before baking.
    Butter and a pastry brush on a baking sheet with three loaves of French bread.
    Sesame seeds sprinkled over three loaves of unbaked French bread.
    • Bake the loaves in a low 175-degree oven for 15 minutes.
    • This will take the place of your first rise.
    Three loaves of risen French bread on a baking sheet before baking.
    • Increase the oven temperature to 400-degrees and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
    • This will take the place of the second rise.
    Three loaves of fully proofed French bread loaves on a baking sheet before baking.
    • Decrease the oven temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the bread is a lovely golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
    • Remove the bread to a cooling rack and cool completely.
    • Slice and serve.
    Three loaves of baked Whole Wheat French Bread on a baking sheet.
     
    Title text vertical image of homemade Whole Wheat French Bread slices on a cutting board

    You're going to love this one!!!

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Quick Whole Wheat French Bread

    Renee Goerger
    This quick whole wheat French bread recipe has a light and delicate crumb and a wonderful French bread flavor. It’s one of the fastest French bread recipes I’ve ever made because the oven does all the work to eliminate the rise times. 

    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Course bread, Yeast Bread
    Cuisine French
    Servings 30 slices
    Calories 90 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ warm water (105°-115°)
    • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • 1 cup cold water
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½-2 cups whole wheat flour
    • 1 tablespoon dried basil
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 175-degrees. It's the low heat of the oven at the beginning of baking that will take the place of the rise time.





    • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.





    • In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and the whole wheat flour. Set aside.





    • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Stir in the honey and set aside until the mixture becomes foamy.





    • Place the salt and butter in a large bowl.



    • Pour the boiling water over the butter and stir until the butter melts. Pour in the cold water and then stir in the foamy yeast mixture.





    • Gradually stir in enough the flour mixture (approximately 5 cups) to the yeast mixture,
      using a wooden spoon, until the dough is soft and supple.









    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and hand knead in enough of the remaining flour until the dough is no longer sticky and is smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes.











    • Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and then roll each portion into a rough rectangle shape.



    • Brush the rolled dough lightly with water and then sprinkle lightly with the basil and garlic powder. Roll the dough lengthwise, and tuck the ends under to form a neat loaf.





    • Carefully transfer the prepared loaf to the parchment lined baking sheet and repeat the same process with the remaining dough. Use a sharp paring knife to carefully slash the tops of each loaf.





    • In a small bowl, stir together the egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over each loaf and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
    • Bake in a preheated 175° oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400° and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Turn the oven temperature to 350° and bake the loaves for another 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.















    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sliceCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 237mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1.2mg

    There, that yeast bread wasn't too scary now, was it?

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's quick whole wheat French bread recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

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    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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    1. Alicia says

      May 16, 2024 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      Really good and really easy! Worked great for me, even at high altitude (4,500 ft.).

      Reply
      • Renée says

        May 17, 2024 at 7:33 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Alicia!
        I love that you even had success baking it at high altitude!
        Thank you for letting me know and also for the 5-star rating.
        Have a great day and please visit me again.
        Fondly,
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Sherri Jo says

      September 19, 2014 at 9:56 am

      beautiful bread! Just the kind I like to dunk in a good bowl of soup... you are so talented! <3

      Reply
    3. Patsy K says

      September 18, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      This looks like a perfect whole wheat bread!

      Reply
    4. The Food Hunter says

      September 18, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      the bread looks perfect!

      Reply
    5. Pam says

      September 18, 2014 at 5:05 pm

      Perfection! There is nothing like homemade whole wheat bread, store bought is just bland. I'm going to have to try it, might even have to add some little walnut pieces.

      Reply
    6. marye @ restless chipotle says

      September 18, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Perfect! I love these kinds of recipes!

      Reply
    7. RJ Flamingo says

      September 18, 2014 at 1:10 pm

      This sounds like it would be perfect for me! French-style bread always intimidates me, but this one sounds easy. On my list!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        September 18, 2014 at 1:32 pm

        No need to be intimidated by this one, Renee. You'll knock it out of the park.

        Reply
    8. Paula says

      September 18, 2014 at 11:20 am

      I am definitely going to be trying this bread, it looks wonderful and who doesn't love the fact that it's so quick and easy to make. I love your Halloween decorated wine bottle and glass! Great photo too 🙂

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        September 18, 2014 at 1:31 pm

        Thanks, Paula! I just know you're going to love this one!

        Reply
    9. Jamie says

      September 18, 2014 at 7:45 am

      Wow Renee, fabulous, indeed! I can't get over the color, it is like an entirely different recipe, but it looks so delicious, tender and soft yet dense like I love it. I love that you made it more savory than mine. Now I have to try your way!!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        September 18, 2014 at 1:31 pm

        It's the whole wheat flour that gives it the lovely color. Thanks for the recipe, Jamie!

        Reply

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