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Home » Recipes » Multigrain Wheat Bread Recipe with Sourdough Starter

Multigrain Wheat Bread Recipe with Sourdough Starter

October 21, 2019 Updated: November 7, 2020 By Julie Menghini 33 Comments

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Two photos of wheat bread. Once is a closeup of a sliced loaf and the second is an uncut loaf topped with seeds and oats.

Multigrain Wheat Bread is an artisan loaf you can make at home. Simple ingredients and minimal handling transform into a nutty homemade Wheat Bread with a soft and tender crumb and a perfectly crunchy crust with the perfect pull when you bite into it.

Top down photo of a loaf of wheat bread with a multi-grain crust. It sits on a wooden cutting board next to a blue napkin.

If you want bread with a soft and tender interior, and that crispy crust, you’re going to love this Multigrain Wheat Bread. This Whole Grain Bread has just enough holes to hold all that butter and a nutty flavor your family will love!

This loaf of bread is what keeps you searching for the perfect bakery. You’ll be surprised how a few turns of a simple dough come together into a nutty homemade bread that’s bakery beautiful.

I love grains, seeds, and nuts a lot. I start my morning with yogurt topped with granola and nuts, and there’s nothing better than a piece of homemade bread slathered with butter with my morning coffee.

Close up angled photo of a slice of wheat bread with seeds and oats baked into it in front of the loaf.

I’ve always loved baking and always wanted to bake bread with a wild yeast starter but it took me a while to try it.

You see, most of the recipes and books that I looked at talked about percentages and interactions, and I just wanted to make the darned bread.

But I had to change my ways. One thing that I did have to do is to weigh my ingredients. I know using grams in the United States drives people crazy. However, 1/4 cup of my starter isn’t going to measure 1/4 cup of your starter. The reason is because of the gasses this ingredient has. But you still need 150 grams.

It took me a while to get the confidence to try it, but I was lucky enough to start with a pretty easy Overnight Sourdough recipe. That recipe includes a video that I’ve added to this recipe card for you.

If you have questions on making or using a Bread Starter, read “Sourdough Bread Starter.”

After making that recipe several times, I got enough experience for what my dough should feel like.

“It’s just flour you know”

In order to make a bread like this, I recommend just rolling up your sleeves and jumping in. Read the recipe through and just take it one instruction at a time. It’s just flour you know?

I’ve had a few loaves that didn’t turn out quite like this one but I learned something each and every time. I still do.

Take a recipe such as this one and remake it until you have enough confidence to diagnose any issues you might have.

As always, I answer each and every email and comment that I get. If something doesn’t make sense, just ask and I’ll help you the best I can.

A loaf of wheat bread and two slices sitting up against it on a wood cutting board with a small cup holding butter and a small knife. A jar of grain and seeds sit behind it on a blue towel.

Why isn’t this a Whole Wheat Bread Recipe?

The short answer is that it could be. You see, the Whole Grain Council requires that only 51% or more needs to be made of whole grain in order for it to be called whole grain. What?

60% of this homemade Wheat Bread recipe is whole grain so legally I could have called it Whole Wheat. If you read a recipe and it includes flour that isn’t a whole grain regardless of the amount used, it isn’t whole grain.

For this loaf, I used a mix of bread flour and wheat flour in order for this loaf to be fluffy and not too dense or heavy. If you use all whole wheat flour, gluten is often added to get the right texture.

This recipe may not be whole grain but it is organic, multigrain, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan. Oh, and most important, delicious!

The Ingredients used in this Multigrain Organic Wheat Bread:

Top angle of the ingredients in a loaf of Multi-Grain Wheat Bread
  • Bubbly starter – I recommend feeding your starter and letting it get active. After you feed your starter, wait until it’s increased in volume of about 30%.
    • We feed our starter before bed by taking 1 tablespoon of starter and mixing it with 200gr filtered water and 200gr of our 50/50 flour mix. It has always passed the float test the next morning which can be 6 to 8 hours. This makes more starter than what you will need but I bake several loaves at a time and freeze them.
    • If your dough is runny it can be because your starter was actually starving when you used it.
  • Salt – I use fine sea salt. It is easier to incorporate and dissolve than coarser salt.
  • Wheat Flour – I used organic whole wheat flour. It has an amazing nutty flavor.
  • Organic Bread Flour – Bread flour has a higher protein content than AP flour. That higher protein provides more structure to your loaf. It worked very well with the wheat flour
  • Water – There’s a lot of controversy regarding water in bread making. Some experts say if you can drink it you can bake with it. Other experts say the chlorine and mineral content can inhibit yeast activity.
  • Multigrain Blend – my own Organic Whole Grain Blend recipe. You could make your own or just use sesame seeds or something like that too.

NOTE: You do not have to use organic ingredients and this bread will turn out just fine. It’s a personal choice.

Unlike the Sourdough recipe, I didn’t do the second proof before baking and changed the ingredients and their ratios.

I’ve found when using whole grain flour that you need a higher moisture content. Or, even baking in a dry climate or during the winter for me, the dough needs a higher moisture content.

It’s all about the feel of the bread. You want it to feel wet but not so wet that it isn’t manageable. I will often hold back about 50 grams or roughly 1/4 cup of the water that the recipe calls for.

After I get the ingredients mixed, if the dough feels dry, I’ll add the additional water. Sometimes you’ll need even more than that. Just keep adding a little bit at a time. It will not take you long to get the feel of what you want.

Shaping bread dough

A 4 photo collage explaining how to shape bread dough including a banneton basket, covering the basket, dusting it with flour and including any additions in the bottom of the basket such as seeds.

When shaping bread dough into a loaf, there are a few simple things that you’ll want to do.

  1. Prepare the container that you want your dough to rise in. If you have a round loaf, you want a round container.
    • This can be what’s called a banneton or a simple basket or a bowl.
  2. I line the container with a thin flour sack or linen towel and then dust it with flour.
    • The bread dough will pick up the texture of the container you use. You can see the rings from the banneton basket.
    • You can also add seeds, oats or other ingredients you want on top of your bread.
  3. Shape your loaf on a surface dusted with just enough flour that it doesn’t stick. At this point, you don’t want to add flour to the dough and a slight drag allows you to pull the edges taught.
  4. Put the dough in the basket smooth side down.
  5. Cover the bread dough so it doesn’t develop a crust and allow it to rise as the recipe instructs.

Bread Flip Technique

I used to worry about getting my bread into a hot pot quickly without deflating the bread dough and/or burning myself. This simple flip technique solves that issue. Please note that in the video I used a cold pot for demonstration purposes only.

  1. You will need a strip of parchment paper and a pie plate. A round pie plate works even if your loaf is a shape other than round.
  2. Place the strip of parchment paper over the top of your bread dough container.
  3. Holding onto the parchment paper and the container, flip upside down. Your parchment paper is now on the bottom side of your loaf of dough.
  4. Remove the covering over the dough and score the dough as desired.
  5. Pick up the loaf of dough and carefully insert it into the pot.

YOU MAY NEED

The following are affiliate links. Hostess At Heart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can read my full disclosure.

  • Instant-Read Thermometer – I use an instant-read thermometer for this recipe. I couldn’t function without it.
  • Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red) – I love this dutch oven. I have three that are triple the price of this one and it’s my favorite. It bakes my bread perfectly and makes a mean ragu recipe.
  • Oven Mitts – When I work with heavy pots and pans I want an oven mitt versus a hot pad. These mitts are heat rated to 550° so are good for the oven or bbq and come in several colors. They also come in a longer length for longer arms!

Bread recipes that use a starter

  • Overnight Sourdough Bread
  • Spelt Sourdough Bread
  • Sourdough Sandwich Bread
  • No-Knead Sourdough Bread with All-Purpose Flour

Don’t throw out your discard starter! Here are a few starter discard recipes that you can make!

I love baking bread and here are a few of my favorites!

  • A baguette of bread sitting on a wooden cutting board. A knife and blue napkin sit next to the board.
    Garlic Batard
  • Half of a baked baguette sitting on a wooden cutting board. A pad of butter in a white plate and an antique knife sit beside it. A linen napkin is in the background.
    6-Ingredient Italian Bread
  • Bundt cake sitting over a silver tray on a wooden cutting board that\'s been dusted with powdered sugar.
    Cherry Almond Kugelhopf

And…a few more!

  • Soft Buttermilk Sandwich Bread
  • Homemade Crusty Bread
Close-up photo showing the holes in the crumb and a browned crusty exterior topped in a multi-grain blend of seeds and oats.

Variations – You don’t have to use the Multigrain blend that I recommend. You can use all sesame seeds, oats, poppy seeds, whatever you like, or leave it all off. Make this homemade wheat bread your own.

I would love it if you enjoy this recipe that you will leave me a comment and rate the recipe with 5 stars!  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A loaf of wheat bread and two slices sitting up against it on a wood cutting board with a small cup holding butter and a small knife. A jar of grain and seeds sit behind it on a blue towel.
Print
5 from 9 votes

Multigrain Wheat Bread Recipe

Multigrain Wheat Bread has a soft tender nutty crumb with just enough holes to hold all that butter. The crust has the perfect crunch and pull that you want when you bite into it.
Prep Time 8 hrs
Cook Time 40 mins
Overnight rest 6 hrs
Total Time 14 hrs 40 mins
Servings 18 slices
Author Julie Menghini

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
  • 150 grams bubbly starter
  • 285 grams *purified water or filtered water at room temperature
  • 200 grams bread flour organic
  • 300 grams whole wheat flour organic
  • 9 grams sea salt fine
  • 75 grams Whole Grain Blend Mix Plus extra for the exterior crust

Instructions

  • Combine and mix all of the ingredients together briefly (just for a few minutes is enough) with your hand.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Do NOT skip this step.
  • Stretch and fold the dough into the bowl several times for about a minute.  I just pull the outside to the center as I turn the bowl.
  • Roll the outside of the dough with the multigrain blend and place the dough into a prepared bowl or banneton seam-side up.
  • Cover and let the bread rest for 6 hours and then either prepare it for baking or place it in the refrigerator for baking the next day.
  • If you've refrigerated the bread dough, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
  • Preheat the oven to 240/250C (I preheat to 475°F and place my lidded pot inside to heat up.  You can use an enamel dutch oven or aluminum roaster.  You can also put the dough into a cold pot but I find I don't get the same golden color when I do that.
  • Carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid.  Turn the dough over so the smooth dome side is up. Carefully place the dough into the pot.
  • Slash the bread with a lame or sharp knife. Replace the lid and place in the oven.
  • Immediately reduce the heat to 220C (425°F convection).  Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove the lid and bake for an additional 18 to 25 minutes. I test my bread with an instant-read thermometer and remove it when my temperature reaches 212°F. It will sound hollow if you tap on it.
  • Immediately remove the loaf from the pot and cool it on a cooling rack at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

 
  • If you want to mix bread earlier in the day. After rising for 6 hours at room temperature, set the covered dough in the refrigerator and bake the next day. Remove the dough from the refrigerator to sit out while the oven preheats.
  • Feed earlier in the day. When it’s bubbly do the test float. If it’s runny it’s used up all it’s energy and needs to be fed again before you can use it. Repeat the float test.
  • Your bread can be cooked in a cold dutch oven but I like the color and rise I get from preheating my lidded pot.
  • This bread freezes beautifully. I wrap it in plastic wrap or a ziplock bag and then heavy-duty foil.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 27mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.3mg
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

Don’t forget to pin this amazing bread recipe before you go!

A straight-on photo of a slice of multi-grain wheat bread witting in front of the loaf with seeds and oats scattered about. The title \"Multi-Grain Wheat Bread Recipe\" runs across the top.

This Multigrain Wheat bread is amazing for sandwiches and any other way that you can think to eat it. However, my favorite is toasted with a slather of melty butter! What is your favorite kind of bread? Have you gone to the wild side yet?

I have two books (out of several) that I’ve learned so much from. I recommend them exclusively to help in your bread experience. They are easy to read and will help you get that beautiful loaf on the table!

  1. Tartine Bread
  2. Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza

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Comments

  1. Halyna says

    November 6, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    I am new to bread baking and looking for a very easy recipe. What do you mean when you say “squelch” the ingredients? Do you mean mix all together? Also, the 75 gr of Whole grain blend mix – you do nit say to to soak this separately. And actually your recipe is not clear about when to add it to the rest of the ingredients? Also, in the comments, some asked you about making a Kevin. But I don’t see you mention a levain in this recipe. Sorry, but need some explanations soon.hoping to bake tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      November 7, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Hi Halyna! Thank you for your questions. When I say squelch (unclear term) I mean to mix the ingredients together. I don’t soak the whole grain blend and add it right at the beginning when all of the other ingredients are added. The levain is actually the same as the bubbly starter that you build before you mix your bread. I hope this helps but please let me know if you have more questions.

      Reply
      • Halyna says

        November 7, 2020 at 9:19 am

        Thank you for your prompt response. Sorry about my autocorrect typos! I decided last night to soak my multigrain (did a bit more – 90 gr plus 90 gr of water, which has all been soaked up). I just mixed the starter, flour and water, it is autolyzing. Will then add the soaker. You don’t mention adding honey, but will add a tablespoon. Hoping this all works out ok!
        Again, thanks so much for your super quick response!

        Reply
    • Halyna says

      November 7, 2020 at 9:26 am

      Just thought of something else. Do you ever bake in a cold Dutch oven? I recall reading someplace else to do the second rise in the pot you will bake in – don’t have to worry about transferring from the fermenting bowl. Then place in a cold oven, but count the baking time from when oven reaches your desired temperature. Have you ever done this? And if yes, can I store it in refrigerator overnight and bake the next day?

      Reply
      • Julie Menghini says

        November 8, 2020 at 11:55 am

        Hi Halyna! I hope your bread baking is going well. You can definitely bake in a cold Dutch oven but I don’t feel it browns as deeply. I’ve never put my bread in a cold oven. To me, I love the initial spring the bread takes on from the hot oven. If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out.

        Reply
  2. Yvonne says

    October 5, 2020 at 10:13 pm

    My loaf came out pretty dense, not airy. It tastes great but what might I have done wrong??

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 8, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      This is a dense bread, Yvonne. You didn’t do anything wrong. I have some recipes coming that will require a little more hands-on instructions but will result in a lighter loaf. Using this recipe, after the dough has rested 30 minutes, fold the dough in on itself about 6 times. You can keep it right in the bowl. Do this every 30 minutes for a total of 4 turns and folds (2 hours). At this time shape it and put it in a bowl or basket and let it either rise covered for two hours and then bake or, cover it with a dishtowel and put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, bake it. If you bake it the day of it will have a mild flavor. If you refrigerate it you will get a little more of that sour flavor. I haven’t released these instructions but I’ve done them with these overnight recipes and you will get an airy loaf. If you have more questions, email me at [email protected]

      Reply
  3. Marlene says

    June 22, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    This loaf turned out beautifully; I must admit having doubts during the process, though. The dough seemed much drier and denser than other similar breads I’ve made, even though I weighed the ingredients precisely. I worked in a little more water at various stages and did more stretch and folds during the start of the 6 hour proofing. I let the dough rest overnight in the fridge and shaped it in the morning once it had warmed up (I used my oven’s proofing cycle). It finally got some spring. The loaf looked gorgeous and got the seal of approval from my husband, a/k/a/ as Mr. Fussy. It was a dense texture with a lovely crust. I will make it again for sure. Next time I‘d like to shape it in an oblong loaf so may bake on a stone.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 23, 2020 at 10:31 am

      I’m so glad that it worked for you and Mr. Fussy LOL! Thank you for the tips, they may help our bread baking community!

      Reply
  4. Karan Morse says

    May 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    I can’t wait to try this one. I love whole grain breads. I just finished my 2nd Overnight Sourdough loaf, came out perfect. After failing at 5 attempts of SD, I found your Overnight Sour Dough recipe. So easy compared to the others I tried. My starter is perfect every time now. I used rye flour to get it going, and boy did that flour work well. I’ve added All Purpose flour to it now. thanks Karan

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      May 4, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Karen! Congrats on your sourdough! That’s so exciting. Rye flour is a superpower for bread starter for sure! The whole grain is delicious! I hope you’ll let me know what you think.

      Reply
  5. Maria says

    April 21, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    I am really new to this kind of bread making. To make the Levain can I use my sour dough starter?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      April 22, 2020 at 8:45 am

      No problem Maria! I had to correct my recipe and thank you for your question. Some bread recipes require that you made a “Leavain” after your starter. This one doesn’t and just uses your starter. Please let me know if you have any more questions as you go.

      Reply
      • Lee says

        May 1, 2020 at 6:50 am

        THIS bread is perfect. I’ve been making sourdough bread for a few months, but had not tired using whole wheat flour or whole grain yet. This was my first attempt at whole wheat bread and it was perfect! Soft on the inside with a little crust. I use a pampered chef stone bread pan because my family didn’t like like the crunchy crust you get from a cast iron pot. I still get a good rise and shape, just a lighter crust.

        Reply
        • Julie Menghini says

          May 1, 2020 at 8:57 am

          Thank you, Lee! I’ll save your tip for the pan for our bread friends who want a softer crust.

          Reply
  6. Joan Richardson says

    February 18, 2020 at 7:48 am

    Your directions are so clear and easy to follow. I no longer feel like a. Mad scientist with my bubbling concoction on the counter. Thanks for helping me make a beautiful bread,

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      February 24, 2020 at 11:07 am

      Awe Joan, we are kindred bread bakers. I’m so glad you enjoyed this bread and I have a few more up my sleeve that I’m working on. Thank you for such a nice comment.

      Reply
  7. Deb says

    October 30, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    This loaf looks absolutely delicious. I’m with you, coffee and fresh homemade bread slathered with butter does sound like a little bit of heaven. I can’t wait to make some homemade bread!!D

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      November 5, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      Thank you Deb!

      Reply
  8. Nikki says

    October 29, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread! Except for how delicious it is!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 30, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      Thank you Nikki! We sure agree!

      Reply
  9. Evangelia coven says

    October 29, 2019 at 2:14 am

    I would love to make this multigrain bread but I do not know how to make Levain. Can you help me with that? Thank you, Leah

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 29, 2019 at 6:37 am

      Hi Leah! I have a post coming out very soon on creating a starter from scratch. If you already have a starter, you make a bubbly Levain from that. The night before I bake I combine 2 tablespoons of my active starter with 150 grams of filtered water and 75 grams of all-purpose flour and 75 grams of wheat flour. Let it sit out all night and that’s your Levain. It should be nice and bubbly the next morning. As you can see I’m using the weights of the starter that I need in my recipe. Since it will increase in volume overnight, you will have enough to feed for your new starter. Let me know if you have any questions! Juie

      Reply
  10. Kylee says

    October 28, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Homemade bread is the BEST! I haven’t worked with multi grain before, can’t wait to give it a try!!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 29, 2019 at 6:38 am

      Thank you, Kylee!

      Reply
  11. Michaela Kenkel says

    October 27, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    This is the most beautiful loaf of bread I have ever laid eyes on!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 29, 2019 at 6:37 am

      Thank you Michaela!

      Reply
  12. Erin Parker says

    October 27, 2019 at 7:57 pm

    In my opinion, you cannot beat homemade bread! I’m obsessed with this one and the addition of the multi-grain goodness!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 29, 2019 at 6:37 am

      I agree, Erin!

      Reply
  13. Kathleen says

    October 27, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    I am a complete bread baking nut too! This one looks amazing, thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 29, 2019 at 6:37 am

      Thanks, Kathleen!

      Reply
  14. Ann Krause says

    October 25, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    You’ve definitely perfected sourdough bread! This loaf looks absolutely perfect. Would you share a bit of that loaf with me? 😉

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      October 26, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      You know I would and it goes great with a glass of wine! Thanks, Ann!

      Reply

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