Delicious Homemade Einkorn Sandwich Bread: A Wholesome & Easy Recipe

Discover the joy of baking your own light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful Einkorn Sandwich Bread. This simple recipe harnesses the unique qualities of Einkorn flour, an ancient grain that offers a gentler alternative to modern wheat, making it a fantastic choice for homemade loaves. Whether you’re crafting the perfect sandwich, making delightful French toast, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, this Einkorn bread will quickly become a household favorite.

For those eager to explore more delightful Einkorn creations, don’t miss our Einkorn Dinner Rolls, Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls, or these satisfying Einkorn Cinnamon Breadsticks.

Understanding Einkorn: The Ancient Grain for Modern Bakers

This homemade Einkorn bread recipe is a celebration of an ancient grain that has graced tables for thousands of years. Einkorn, often referred to as the “original wheat,” stands apart from its modern counterparts. Unlike hybridized modern wheat, Einkorn has retained its original genetic structure, making it a fascinating and potentially more digestible option for many.

Einkorn Flour and Gluten Sensitivity

One of the most compelling reasons to try Einkorn flour is its unique gluten structure. While Einkorn is *not* gluten-free and contains gluten, its simpler genetic makeup means its gluten differs significantly from that found in modern wheat. Many individuals who experience sensitivities to modern wheat’s gluten find that they can tolerate Einkorn bread flour much better. It’s crucial to understand that this does not apply to those with celiac disease, who must strictly avoid all forms of gluten. However, for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exploring Einkorn can open up a world of delicious baking possibilities.

The Benefits of Baking with Einkorn

Beyond its potential digestibility benefits, Einkorn offers a rich, slightly nutty flavor that enhances any baked good. It’s also packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and essential minerals, often surpassing modern wheat in these aspects. When baking with Einkorn all-purpose flour, you’ll notice a distinct difference in the dough’s texture and behavior, which we’ll delve into in our tips section. This ancient grain flour brings not just flavor and nutrition but also a connection to culinary history right into your kitchen.

If you’re interested in experimenting with Einkorn Bread with Sourdough Starters, the official Einkorn website offers excellent resources. You can purchase both whole wheat Einkorn flour and the Einkorn All-Purpose Flour used in this recipe, allowing you to choose the best option for your baking needs.

Essential Ingredients for Your Einkorn Loaf

Crafting the perfect Einkorn sandwich bread begins with understanding the role of each key ingredient. Here’s what you’ll need to create your incredibly tender and flavorful loaves:

• Water: The foundation of any great bread, the water in this recipe needs to be lukewarm, ideally between 95-110 degrees F. This specific temperature range is critical for properly activating your yeast without killing it (if too hot) or hindering its activity (if too cold).
• Active Dry Yeast: This is the leavening agent that gives your bread its beautiful rise and airy texture. Active dry yeast requires “proofing,” a crucial step where it’s mixed with warm water and a sugar source (like honey) and allowed to sit until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This confirms the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
• Honey: More than just a sweetener, honey plays a dual role. It not only imparts a subtle, delicious sweetness and rich flavor to the bread but also acts as the primary food source for the yeast, helping to kickstart its fermentation process and ensure a robust rise.
• Avocado Oil: This oil contributes to the bread’s tender crumb and moist texture. Avocado oil is a fantastic choice due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can easily substitute it with another mild-flavored vegetable oil if preferred.
• Salt: Essential for flavor, salt balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall taste of the bread. It also plays a role in regulating yeast activity and strengthening the gluten structure, contributing to a better rise and texture. Sea salt is an excellent option for its clean flavor.
• All-Purpose Einkorn Flour: The star of our recipe. All-purpose Einkorn flour is chosen for its versatility and its reputation for being gentler on sensitive stomachs. When working with Einkorn flour, a key difference to remember is its lower gluten content. This means the dough behaves differently from modern wheat dough – it will be stickier and requires a resting period (at least 20 minutes) to fully absorb moisture before kneading, ensuring a more manageable dough and a superior final product.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Einkorn Sandwich Bread

Follow these detailed steps to bake two perfect loaves of homemade Einkorn sandwich bread. Precision and patience are your best friends when working with this unique flour!

1. Prepare Your Pans: Begin by lightly greasing two 8.5″ x 4.5″ bread pans with butter or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. Set them aside.
2. Activate the Yeast: In the large bowl of your electric mixer, combine the specified amount of warm water (ensure it’s just warm to your wrist, between 95-110°F), active dry yeast, and honey. Stir gently until the honey and yeast are dissolved. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and healthy when the surface becomes visibly bubbly and foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old or the water temperature was incorrect, and you should start again.
3. Begin Mixing the Dough: Once your yeast mixture is proofed and bubbly, add the avocado oil, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose Einkorn flour to the bowl. Attach the dough hook to your electric mixer. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined. Then, increase the speed slightly and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough appears smooth and comes together.
4. Adjust Flour and First Rise: Continue adding the remaining Einkorn flour, 1/4 cup at a time, allowing it to incorporate fully before adding more. You’re looking for the dough to begin pulling away from the sides of the mixing bowl, though it will remain softer and stickier than traditional wheat dough. You might need up to an additional 1/2 cup of flour, so adjust as necessary based on the humidity and flour absorption. Once the dough forms, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot and let it rise for 30 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
5. Second Rise for Structure: After the first rise, gently press the dough down to release the air. This “punch down” helps develop the gluten further and creates a finer crumb. Cover the dough again and allow it to rise for a second time until doubled in size. This double rise is particularly beneficial for Einkorn dough, giving it more structure.
6. Preheat Oven and Shape Loaves: While the dough undergoes its second rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once the dough has risen twice, carefully transfer it to a lightly flfloured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roughly 6″ x 6″ square. Then, starting from one edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends underneath to create a smooth loaf. Place each shaped loaf into your prepared bread pans.
7. Egg Wash and Final Rise: In a small separate bowl, whisk together one whole egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each loaf with this mixture. The egg wash will give your bread a beautiful golden crust and a slight sheen. Cover the pans loosely and allow the loaves to rise for a final 30 minutes. This last rise helps ensure a light and airy texture.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the bread pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The loaves are ready when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
9. Cool Completely: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately transfer the loaves from their pans to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial; slicing warm bread can lead to a gummy texture, as the internal structure is still setting. Enjoy your freshly baked Einkorn sandwich bread!

Expert Tips for Baking with Einkorn Flour

Baking with Einkorn flour offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its distinctive characteristics mean a few adjustments from traditional wheat baking can lead to truly exceptional results. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Embrace the Extra Rise and Knead: A top tip for mastering Einkorn bread recipes is to incorporate an additional rising and kneading cycle into your process. Einkorn’s lower gluten content means the dough can be less structured than modern wheat. This extra attention helps to develop the dough’s strength, resulting in a bread that rises better and holds its shape with improved texture.
• Understand the Stickiness: Don’t be alarmed by the stickier nature of Einkorn dough. This is completely normal! Because Einkorn flour has less gluten, it takes a little longer for the flour to fully absorb the moisture. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour, as this can lead to a dry, dense loaf. Instead, allow the dough its resting periods to properly hydrate. A lightly oiled hand or spatula can help manage stickiness if needed.
• Gentle Handling is Key: Due to its delicate gluten structure, Einkorn dough benefits from gentler handling. Avoid over-kneading, which can make the dough tough. Instead, focus on developing just enough structure through the recommended kneading and rising cycles.
• Preventing Deflation: Einkorn bread has a tendency to deflate slightly during rising or early in the baking process due to its lower gluten. The extra kneading and rising cycle mentioned above is your best defense against this, as it builds more internal structure. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature to give the bread an initial strong oven spring.
• Temperature Matters: Keep your kitchen warm and draft-free during the rising periods. A consistent, warm environment (around 75-80°F or 24-27°C) is ideal for yeast activity and allows the Einkorn dough to rise optimally.
• Versatility in Shaping: This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt this Einkorn bread dough to create other delicious treats. Turn it into Einkorn Dinner Rolls for a side dish, or sweeten it further for Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls. You can also shape the dough into a beautiful round loaf and bake it in a Dutch oven for a rustic, artisan-style bread with a wonderfully crisp crust.

Storing and Freezing Your Einkorn Bread

To ensure your delicious homemade Einkorn sandwich bread stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, store your bread in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature. This method will keep your loaves wonderfully soft for up to 3 days. A plastic bag is far superior to a paper bag for maintaining softness and preventing the bread from drying out.
• Freezer: If you’ve baked more bread than you anticipate using within a few days, freezing is an excellent option to preserve its freshness. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them into freezer-safe bags. Properly wrapped, Einkorn bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply pull a loaf out and let it thaw at room temperature. For a “freshly baked” experience, you can warm slices or the whole loaf in the oven after thawing.

Einkorn White Sandwich Bread Recipe

This white Einkorn bread is fluffy, tender, and loaded with flavor. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for uses as sandwich bread or for making French Toast.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 41 mins

Rising Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 41 mins

Yields: 2 (8.5″ x 4.5″) loaves

Ingredients

Main Dough

• 1 cup water (lukewarm, 95-110°F)
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt recommended)
• 3½ cups all-purpose einkorn flour (plus up to 1/2 cup extra for dusting/adjusting)

Egg Wash

• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Grease two 8.5″ x 4.5″ bread pans with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir well until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy.
3. Once the yeast has proofed, add the avocado oil, salt, and 2 cups of einkorn flour to the mixer bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed slightly and mix for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.
4. Continue to add the remaining einkorn flour (and up to an additional 1/2 cup if needed), 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl. The dough will still be sticky.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Once doubled, gently press the dough down to deflate it, then cover again and allow it to rise a second time until doubled.
7. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. After the dough has risen twice, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide into 2 equal pieces. Shape each ball of dough into a roughly 6″ x 6″ square. Roll the dough up tightly from one side and tuck the edges under to form a loaf. Place each shaped loaf into your prepared bread pans.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash generously over the tops of each loaf. Allow the loaves to rise for another 30 minutes in their pans.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
11. Remove the bread from the oven and immediately transfer the loaves to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing Instructions: Store your homemade Einkorn bread in an airtight plastic bag for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap loaves tightly and freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.

Recipe Information

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Explore More Delicious Einkorn Flour Recipes

Einkorn flour is a wonderfully versatile ingredient, perfect for everything from savory loaves to sweet treats. If you’ve enjoyed baking this sandwich bread, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes that highlight the unique flavor and texture of this ancient grain:

• Einkorn Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for any meal.
• Einkorn German Pancakes: A delightful breakfast treat that puffs up beautifully.
• Einkorn Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies with a wholesome twist.
• Einkorn Double Chocolate Brownies: Rich and decadent brownies made with ancient grain flour.
• Einkorn Pumpkin Muffins: Moist and spiced muffins, perfect for fall.
• Einkorn Buttermilk Pancakes: Light and fluffy pancakes for a special breakfast.
• Einkorn French Bread: A crusty loaf with a tender interior, ideal for dipping.
• Einkorn Cinnamon Breadsticks: Sweet and spiced, a delicious snack or dessert.
• Einkorn Snickerdoodles: Chewy cookies coated in cinnamon sugar.
• Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls: The ultimate comfort food, soft and gooey.
• More Einkorn Recipes: A comprehensive collection of dishes using this incredible flour.
• More Bread Recipes: Explore a variety of bread-making adventures for every occasion.

This White Einkorn bread recipe offers clear, step-by-step instructions and is designed to be made with All-Purpose Einkorn Flour. You’ll be amazed at how fluffy, tender, and flavor-packed this wholesome bread is. Enjoy the rewarding process of baking and the delicious results!