If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a loaf that balances wholesome nutrition with tender crumb and a subtly sweet aroma, the Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe will become your new favorite kitchen adventure. This beautiful bread uses ancient einkorn flour, lending a nutty, rich flavor and a soft texture that’s perfect for everything from hearty sandwiches to simple toasts. With just a handful of simple ingredients and some patient rising time, you’ll create a loaf that tastes like it came straight from a rustic bakery but made effortlessly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe relies on a few basic, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect rise, flavor, and crumb. Nothing complicated here—just essentials that work together seamlessly.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps dissolve the honey, kickstarting the fermentation process.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness and nurtures the yeast for a lovely, fluffy loaf.
- Melted butter: Enriches the dough and creates tenderness in the bread’s crumb.
- Dry active yeast: The magic agent that makes your bread rise to soft, fluffy perfection.
- All-purpose einkorn flour: The star ingredient—ancient grain flour with a distinctly nutty flavor and soft texture.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey.
How to Make Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, honey, melted butter, and dry active yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Let this mixture sit for several minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This blooming is key—it shows your yeast is alive and ready, ensuring your bread will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add two cups of einkorn flour along with the sea salt. Mix thoroughly to start building gluten structure. Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring until the dough is fully hydrated but still slightly sticky, giving you that lovely chew in the finished bread.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for one hour. This resting period allows the yeast to work its magic and the dough to expand, developing amazing flavor and tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan and Oven
While your dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a one-pound loaf pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring your bread slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 5: Shape the Dough and Second Rise
Gently press the risen dough into a loose rectangle, then roll it up tightly to form your loaf shape. Place it in the prepared pan and cover with a damp tea towel or lightly oiled plastic wrap—this keeps the dough from sticking as it rises for a second time. Let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes until doubled in size, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your loaf for 40 to 45 minutes, watching as it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece with a fragrant, crusty top. Once out of the oven, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing—this step helps the crumb set and makes for cleaner slices.
How to Serve Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is a fantastic canvas for garnishes that bring out its natural nuttiness and subtle sweetness. Try spreading it with creamy butter sprinkled with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a dusting of flaky sea salt for a savory touch. Toasted sesame or poppy seeds pressed into the top before baking can add a delightful crunch and an elegant look.
Side Dishes
Einkorn Sandwich Bread is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with both hearty and light sides. Think creamy soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash for dipping, or fresh salads with crisp greens and vinaigrettes that complement the bread’s depth of flavor. It also makes a great base for robust cheese boards, balancing softer cheeses and charcuterie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the bread thick and serve it as open-faced sandwiches topped with smashed avocado, smoked salmon, or roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic reduction. You can also transform it into an irresistible French toast that highlights the bread’s naturally sweet, nutty undertones—perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Einkorn Sandwich Bread has fully cooled, store it in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel to preserve its crust while keeping the inside soft. Avoid airtight plastic bags, which can trap moisture and make the crust soggy. Stored this way, it stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe ready for later, slice it and freeze the slices in a zip-top bag with layers of parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. This method keeps the bread tasting fresh for up to 3 months and makes it easy to grab just what you need.
Reheating
To bring frozenbread back to life, toast slices directly from the freezer or warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes both the crust and crumb, recapturing that just-baked softness and flavor that makes this sandwich bread so delightful.
FAQs
What makes einkorn flour different from regular flour?
Einkorn flour is one of the oldest cultivated grains and has a unique nutty flavor with a softer gluten structure. It’s often easier to digest and adds a lovely tender crumb and aroma to breads like this Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, but keep in mind that the subtle flavor and yeast activity might be slightly different. Honey also contributes to the bread’s golden crust and soft texture.
Why does the dough need two rising periods?
The first rise develops flavor and texture by allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to expand. Shaping the dough and allowing a second rise ensures the loaf puffs up to the right size and holds its shape during baking, resulting in a tender crumb and beautiful crust.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Absolutely! The soft, slightly sweet crumb and sturdy yet tender texture of this Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe make it ideal for all kinds of sandwiches, from classic deli meats to veggie-packed delights.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes, this bread can be made by hand with a sturdy spoon or by kneading on a floured surface. Einkorn flour dough tends to be stickier than conventional dough, so a bit of patience and gentle handling during mixing is key for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe is such a rewarding experience—you’ll be amazed by how a few simple ingredients and a little time come together to produce a loaf full of warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro exploring ancient grains, this bread invites you to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy every slice.
“`
Print
Einkorn Sandwich Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings (1 loaf)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Einkorn Sandwich Bread recipe offers a wholesome, homemade loaf using ancient einkorn flour, delivering a rich, nutty flavor and tender crumb perfect for sandwiches. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread makes a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons dry active yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose einkorn flour
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, honey, melted butter, and dry active yeast. Let the mixture sit for several minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy on top, indicating it is active and ready.
- Combine initial dry ingredients: Add two cups of einkorn flour and 1½ teaspoons of sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well to begin forming the dough and incorporate the salt evenly.
- Add remaining flour: Gradually add the remaining two cups of einkorn flour and mix until the dough is fully hydrated and combined, creating a soft yet manageable dough.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for one hour. This lets the yeast ferment and the dough to expand.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a one-pound loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Shape the dough: Gently press the dough out into a loose rectangle, then roll it up into a loaf shape. Place the dough into the prepared loaf pan. Cover with a damp tea towel or lightly oiled plastic wrap to prevent sticking, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Bake the bread: Bake the risen dough in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the bread set properly and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 110°F) to ensure yeast activation without killing it.
- Do not skip the resting and rising times; they are crucial for the bread’s texture and flavor.
- Einkorn flour is more delicate than modern wheat flour, so handle the dough gently to maintain structure.
- Store bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
- You can freeze slices for longer storage and toast them directly for quick use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
