Baking Healthy Breads
Baking your own bread isn’t as hard as you think, and despite what low-carb zealots might say, it can be part of a healthy diet. Leave the croissants and baguettes to the pros (those can get a bit complicated), and try these simple and delicious recipes.
The Carb Question
There’s no need to fear bread — especially the whole-grain varieties. Whole-grain breads are full B vitamins, iron and hunger-fighting protein and fiber. Often carbohydrates such as bread are the first to go on low-carb diets, but this puts dieters at a serious disadvantage because carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. And just so you know, bread has about 80-100 calories per slice. Just like other foods, it’s all about moderation.
Experiment with Ingredients
No matter what kind of bread you’re making, flour is most likely on your ingredient list.
Increase fiber and protein by using a combination of whole-wheat and all-purpose flours. Often using all whole-wheat flour makes breads tough, so the combo is key. Experiment with other types of flour and whole grains such as spelt flour (also made from wheat), brown rice flour and corn meal (corn is a whole grain too, ya know). Nuts and seeds add great texture and flavor to healthy bread recipes. Just use a little (about 1/4 cup for the recipe) to avoid adding too many extra calories — save those for spreads, dips and sandwich toppers.
An added bonus to making your own bread is there are no preservatives. Ever notice how a bakery-fresh baguette goes stale in a day, but a loaf of grocery store sandwich bread lasts for weeks? There’s nothing wrong with a loaf of whole-wheat bread for weekly lunches, but store-bought breads always contain some preservatives. So when you’re in the mood to bake, utilize the freezer. You’ll get more mileage out of the recipe, and this will also help stop you from eating everything you made that day. Store baked breads (wrapped tightly) in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you’re planning on using the bread within a few days, you can just refrigerate it. Give it a quick toast, and it will be good as new.
Quick Breads
Quick breads are convenient and time saving. Since they typically don’t contain yeast, you don’t have to wait for the dough to rise. Their consistency is often more cake-like but delicious nonetheless. Make a batch of corn bread or corn muffins to serve with a chili, barbecue fare or a brunch spread. Try baking bread with beer to serve with a soup or stew.
Pizza
In my humble opinion, there’s something so rewarding about making your own pizza dough. Here’s a no-fail, thin-crust recipe I use all the time. If you’re in the mood for something more deep-dish style, try a light and airy foccacia. You can keep the calories under control by using fresh veggies for toppings and a light sprinkling of cheese. Watch the portions, too — serve small slices of pizza or foccacia along with a large salad for a healthy and complete meal.
Rolls and Loaves
If you’re in the mood for some traditional whole wheat rolls, try this recipe for soft whole wheat rolls — they’re great for sandwiches, burgers, tuna melts or for dunking into soup. Thin slices of toasted bread are good for bruschetta or grilled cheese. Try a whole wheat Irish soda bread to get the effect.
Think Outside the Bread Box
Get creative! Honey whole wheat pretzel sticks make a great snack and scallion flat breads (made on the stove top) will work for wraps, soft tacos and fajitas.
Your Equipment
Bread machines can help make baking a breeze — they are especially good for loaves of basic sandwich breads. For bread dough that requires a lot of kneading, make sure you have a flat work surface that you can flour well to prevent sticking. Bowl scrapers and bench scrappers can also come in handy when transferring dough from work surface to baking vessel. A good serrated knife is also a must-have for easy slicing.
I love bread so much so I am very happy to know that their are healthier ways to make my own!!
I would love how to bake my first loaf of bread.
I don’t bake bread so I wouldn’t know a basic recipe.I can’t have yeast so I need a recipe for bread that doesn’t contain yeast,also that I may use for pizza.The yeast free bread I buy is now $5.59 a bag,I need to make my own.Help!!
I’ve been making my own sourdough starter bread for years now. Great for me, great as gifts to friends/neighbors and no preservatives,which is best of all. I use the dough to make sweet rolls by adding cinnamon and sugar and nuts or pizza bread with cheese, fresh basil, and pepperoni slices. Yummy!!! The bread only has 6 ingredients and I add whole wheat flour to make it healthier.
I just had to let you know how much I appreciate this web site. Thanks for the great bread recipes and Robin Miller recipes. I have so much good information from Robin Miller!
I would very much like to have Mary Zelli’s recipes or methods for additions to regular bread recipes.
I’ve been baking my own bread too, but need a recipe for “sour” rye, that doesn’t take such a long time as the one’s I have.
I have been making my own bread for 38 years. It definitely took practice, a good mixer, and a well-calibrated oven to evolve the skill, but it is well worth the effort. Now I bake bread once or twice a month, slice and freeze it, and it is just part of life. I would also like to know more about sourdough, including Mary’s recipe, which I have never been successful with.
Do you have any healthy recipes for the bread machine?
I recently bought a bread machine and would love some healthy recipes for that as well!
I have been looking for a sourdough starter recipe. I had a starter for years that I fed it instant potatoes. I would love to get it going again! Thanks
Can I grind oatmeal or brown rice into flour to increase the fiber in adition to whole wheat flour replacing white flour? Would I then measure cup for cup?
Hi Iris – Brown rice and oatmeal will add flavor, texture and protein. Brown rice and oat flours are available at many supermarkets. You could also leave the oats whole for even more texture. As for the measurements, you might have to experiment with the specific recipe a little before you find the perfect combination.
Wow, you’ve inspired me to get out that bread machine. I honestly did not trust that I could create a “point” friendly bread now! Thanks!
I am trying to loose weight,and I came up with this recipe harvest whole wheat muffins they contain whole wheat,oatmeal,half the sugar of regular muffins,raisins,walnuts,coconut. they are very filling.
I have one for lunch and one for snack. I lost 8 lbs.in a month and I can waith to try your recipes
where do I get a recipe for sour dough bread?
After many years of making all kinds of breads in my bread machine (mostly), we now find my husband needs to be glutten free. Any ideas on recipes? I’ve found rice flour, and I did find a really good recipe for corn bread that doesn’t use any flour (or sugar, which is great because I am a diabetic). Any ideas for glutten free would be appreciated.