Great Harvest Bread Recipe For Perfect Homemade Loaf

Baking bread at home is one of life’s simple pleasures, and few loaves compare to the wholesome goodness of a freshly baked Great Harvest-style bread. This recipe captures the essence of that signature bakery flavor—rich, hearty, and wonderfully textured with a golden crust and soft, chewy crumb.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will help you create a loaf that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfies your taste buds like no store-bought bread ever could.

Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter, this bread balances nutty whole wheat flour with a touch of sweetness and a hint of honey, reminiscent of the Great Harvest Bakery classic.

Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it an ideal recipe to bake any day of the week. Read on for everything you need to know to bake your own delicious loaf at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Great Harvest bread recipe is more than just bread—it’s an experience. Its hearty whole wheat base offers a nutty flavor and dense, yet tender crumb that holds up beautifully to all your favorite toppings and fillings.

The honey adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural grain flavors, while the yeast ensures a perfect rise and a light texture.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile.

You can customize it with nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, or keep it classic and simple. The ingredients are easy to source, and the process is forgiving enough for beginner bakers to feel confident.

Plus, baking your own bread is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together, creating memories along with delicious food.

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid
• Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step confirms your yeast is active and ready to leaven your bread.
2. Mix the dough: In your large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, bread flour, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or dough whisk, stir until a shaggy dough forms. If you are adding seeds or nuts, fold them in now.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If you prefer, you can knead using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
4. First rise: Lightly oil your mixing bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
5. Shape the loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release excess gas. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round boule or an oblong loaf, depending on your baking vessel.
6. Second rise: Place your shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Preheat your oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). This creates a super hot environment that helps develop a crispy crust.
8. Bake the bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, lift the dough with the parchment paper, and place it inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool completely: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.

Tips & Variations

“For an even more rustic loaf, try adding a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to boost the bread’s structure and chewiness.”

• Seeded Loaf: Incorporate your favorite seeds such as sesame, flax, or pumpkin for added texture and nutrition.
• Sweet Variation: Add ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with honey.
• Make it a Sandwich Bread: Use a loaf pan instead of a Dutch oven for a classic sandwich shape.
• Slow Rise: For better flavor development, refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and the second rise.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: While this recipe uses wheat flour, check out our Amazing Gluten Free Low Calorie Vegan Recipe Video Funny Moments for gluten-free baking inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bread shines when paired with a variety of spreads and meals. Toast slices for breakfast and top with your favorite nut butter or jam.

Use it as the base for a veggie-packed sandwich, perhaps inspired by our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

It also complements soups and stews wonderfully—try it alongside a warm bowl of our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for a comforting meal. Or simply serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping as a delightful appetizer.

Conclusion

Baking Great Harvest-style bread at home is a rewarding and delicious adventure. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll create a loaf that boasts impressive flavor, texture, and aroma.

This recipe’s approachable technique and flexible variations make it perfect for bakers of all levels, inviting you to customize and make it your own.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of slicing into a warm, crusty loaf you made yourself. From breakfast toast to hearty sandwiches, this bread elevates everyday meals and brings a cozy, homemade touch to your kitchen table.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more wholesome recipes like our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the vibrant Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for your next cooking adventure!

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