Rye Bread Recipe

Rye bread recipe brings the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread right into your kitchen. Perfect for chilly mornings, cozy lunches, or family dinners, this bread is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I usually start by mixing the rye flour and yeast while the oven warms, which helps the dough rise perfectly. With its slightly dense texture and earthy flavor, rye bread pairs beautifully with butter, cheese, or hearty sandwiches. It’s approachable enough for beginner bakers yet rewarding, leaving your home filled with that warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This rye bread recipe is flavorful, versatile, and ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. It’s hearty enough for sandwiches yet soft enough to enjoy warm with butter. The dough is forgiving, and leftovers store well or freeze for later, making it practical for meal prep. Budget-friendly ingredients make this an accessible option, while the satisfying aroma and taste make it crowd-pleasing for family meals. Save it on Pinterest for a reliable, cozy baking project that delivers rustic, homemade bread with minimal fuss and maximum comfort, perfect for any day of the week.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh, whole rye flour for the best flavor and texture.

  • 2 cups rye flour
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tbsp honey or molasses
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Measure flours, salt, and seeds. Prepare a clean surface for kneading the dough.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add rye flour, all-purpose flour, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour as needed to prevent sticking.

See also  Homemade bread

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours until doubled. Punch down the dough, then shape into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Cover and let the shaped dough rise another 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until crust is firm and a hollow sound is heard when tapped. Cool completely before slicing.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This rye bread recipe works well for busy schedules. You can prepare dough in advance and let it rise while attending to other tasks. It freezes beautifully, and a loaf can be sliced and toasted quickly for meals or snacks. Minimal hands-on time and forgiving dough make it approachable for anyone wanting homemade bread without long, stressful prep.

Tips & Tricks

  • Measure flour accurately: Too much or too little flour affects texture. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife.
  • Check water temperature: Warm water should feel like a bath, not hot. Too hot kills yeast, too cold slows rising.
  • Knead properly: Proper kneading develops gluten. Avoid under- or over-kneading to maintain structure and softness.
  • Use a thermometer if needed: Internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C) when fully baked to ensure doneness.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Serve sliced rye bread with smoked meats, pastrami, or corned beef for a hearty meal.
  • Vegetarian option: Top slices with hummus, avocado, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying plant-based lunch.
  • Ingredient swap: Mix part whole wheat flour with rye for a milder flavor or add sunflower seeds for crunch.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Stir fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough, or sprinkle seeds on top for aromatic, rustic bread.
See also  Dutch Oven Bread

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic breakfast: Toast slices and serve with butter, jam, or honey for a cozy morning.
  • Sandwiches: Use for hearty sandwiches with cheese, deli meats, or grilled vegetables.
  • Soup accompaniment: Pair with soups or stews; the dense bread soaks up broth beautifully.
  • Open-faced style: Top with smoked salmon, cream cheese, or avocado for a stylish, casual meal.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store in an airtight bag for up to 4 days; avoid refrigeration if possible to prevent drying.
  • Reheating: Toast slices or warm whole loaf in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
  • Freezing: Slice loaf before freezing. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare dough in the evening and refrigerate overnight. Shape and bake next day for fresh bread with minimal effort.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1.5 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 120–150 per slice
Protein: 4–5 g
Key nutrients: fiber, iron
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prepare dough and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh next day.

Check yeast activity, kneading, and rising times; ensure dough doubled properly.

You can mix whole wheat or spelt with rye, but adjust water accordingly.

Ensure oven is preheated and bake until firm; a light brush of oil helps.

Up to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container; freeze for longer storage.

See also  Olive oil dip for bread

Conclusion

This rye bread recipe is cozy, approachable, and perfect for homemade sandwiches, breakfasts, or soups. It’s versatile, forgiving, and satisfying, offering both rustic charm and rich, earthy flavor. Customize with seeds, herbs, or flour blends to suit your taste. Once baked, it fills your home with comforting aromas and provides a wholesome, hearty bread that keeps well for meals throughout the week. Keep this recipe handy for a reliable, cozy baking project anytime you want fresh, homemade bread.

Rye Bread Recipe Save
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Rye Bread Recipe

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rye flour

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 2 tbsp honey or molasses

  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)

Directions

  • Preparation
    In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Measure flours, salt, and seeds. Prepare a clean surface for kneading the dough.
  • Main Cooking Process
    Add rye flour, all-purpose flour, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour as needed.
  • Combining Ingredients
    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled. Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased pan or on a baking sheet.
  • Finishing & Final Simmer
    Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 30–35 minutes until crust is firm and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool completely before slicing.

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