15 Whole Wheat Bread Recipes

Growing up, I wasn't always a fan of whole wheat bread. My best friend's mom made our PB&J's with homemade raspberry jam, natural crunchy peanut butter (the cardinal sin of sandwiches), and the whole wheat bread she baked each week. I complained bitterly about wanting grape jelly, smooth peanut butter, and the kind of white bread that came in a brightly colored plastic bag. Eventually, I realized the error of my ways.

Whole wheat bread isn't just higher in fiber (usually) than store-bought white bread and free of additives and artificial ingredients, it also has a more substantive texture and a heartier flavor. These bread recipes are not complicated to make—we promise! You'll find traditional methods, recipes for bread machines, and both yeast and quick variations. Maybe once they've caught a whiff of that fresh, baking-bread smell, your kids will come around to whole wheat, too.

01 of 15

Bread Machine Wheat Cornmeal Bread

Bread Machine Whole Wheat and Cornmeal.
The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

Adding cornmeal to this wheat bread recipe for bread machines lends crunchy texture that tastes great toasted or fresh. A little brown sugar gives it just a hint of sweetness. The recipe works well in a traditional oven as well.
02 of 15

Honey Wheat Bread

The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

The addition of honey gives this classic whole wheat bread a nice sweetness. It does require two rises, so have patience. The results make great sandwiches, or taste delicious with just a little butter and jam.
03 of 15

Whole Wheat Pistachio Lemon Bread

The Spruce Eats / Lora Wiley-Lennartz

With a lemony glaze, crunchy pistachios, and a citrus-scented whole wheat crumb, this quick bread works well for breakfast, a teatime snack, or even a bake sale. Serve it for Easter brunch or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
04 of 15

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread.
The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

With the addition of applesauce for a lighter loaf and whole wheat flour for texture and nutrition, this isn't your grandma's zucchini bread. Cinnamon and nutmeg will make your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes.

Continue to 5 of 15 below.
05 of 15

Honey-Raisin Whole Wheat Challah

The Spruce Eats / Miri Rotkovitz

Whether you make it for Rosh Hashana or to brighten up a normal weekend, this honey-sweetened whole wheat raisin challah hits the spot. It also makes great French toast and bread pudding, if the loaf starts to go stale.
06 of 15

Whole Wheat Kalamata Olive Bread

The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

If you have a jar of kalamata olives in the fridge, use them and their brine in this bread machine wheat loaf that makes a unique side for an Italian feast or a savory treat all on its own. Think of it like a more vampire-friendly alternative to garlic bread.
07 of 15

Applesauce Whole Wheat Quick Bread

The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

Using applesauce in this easy quick bread replaces some of the sugar and fat without sacrificing moistness or flavor. Whole wheat flour and rolled oats give it a hefty texture while chopped nuts add crunch.
08 of 15

Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread

Flickr / cheeseslave

If, like so many of us, you've gotten really into sourdough bread baking, try this variation. It uses whole wheat flour as well as your sourdough starter for a hearty bread that has both the tangy flavor of sourdough and the texture of whole wheat.

Continue to 9 of 15 below.
09 of 15

Single Loaf Whole Wheat Bread

Getty Images / Marc Grimberg / The Image Bank/

Some bread recipes turn out two or three loaves, but this will yield one perfectly-sized whole wheat loaf. It also freezes well, so you can bake it, let it cool, slice, freeze, and then just pull one or two out and toast for when you need them.
10 of 15

Whole Wheat Raisin Bread

Getty Images / Lauri Patterson

For a breakfast that will fuel your entire morning, try whole wheat raisin bread. Use either traditional or golden raisins for this delicious recipe that tastes especially good warm from the toaster.
11 of 15

Bread Machine Whole Wheat Bread

Getty Images / Smari

Using your bread machine means you can enjoy fresh-baked bread without the laborious kneading most traditional, yeasted recipes require. This basic wheat bread recipe comes out great if you follow the manufacturers' instructions, which may vary depending on the model you use. Always double check, for best results.
12 of 15

Whole Wheat French Bread

Getty Images Katrin / Ray Shumakov

Perfect for beginners, this whole wheat French bread recipe requires no fancy equipment or techniques. A few tips: Spray it with water as it bakes for a crunchy crust, brush with egg white before baking for a shiny crust (or milk for a darker crust), and slather with butter immediately after baking to keep the crust soft.

Continue to 13 of 15 below.
13 of 15

Hartog's Dutch-Style Whole Wheat Bread

Hartog's famous whole wheat bread.
Hartog's / © Fred Tiggelman

The cult-like status of the Hartog's Volkoren Bakkerij & Maalderij in Amsterdam means whole wheat bread fans often line up around the block to enjoy its wares. If you can't get there right now, make this copycat recipe at home.
14 of 15

Fermented German Seed Bread

Getty Images / Relax Images/Cultura

Hearty, chewy, and nutty, thanks to a selection of seeds, this German fermented loaf takes some time and effort, but the results are decidedly worth it. Allow it to cool completely before cutting, or it might end up mushy inside.
15 of 15

Dark Pumpernickel Bread

Getty Images / Annabelle Breakey / Photodisc

With bread, whole wheat, and rye flours as well as molasses, wheat gluten, and cocoa powder, this bread machine recipe comes out dark and toasty with a lovely texture and flavor. Try it for breakfast toasted with butter, raspberry jam, or honey.

50 Bread Recipes Every Baker Should Master