Grocery
Hearty Multigrain Bread
What it is
This is a loaf of bread made with a blend of different grains, offering a more complex texture and flavor than white bread. The grains used can vary, but often include wheat, rye, oats, barley, and sometimes seeds like flax or sunflower. This combination contributes to its distinctive appearance and satisfying chew. It is baked to a golden brown crust and a soft interior.
How people cook with it
Multigrain bread is a versatile staple for many meals. It works well for both sweet and savory applications.
- Toasted for breakfast
- Sandwich base
- Crouton ingredient
- Bread pudding component
You can enjoy this bread as is, sliced fresh from the loaf. Toasting slices brings out a pleasant crispness and enhances the nutty flavors of the grains. It is excellent for making sandwiches, where its sturdy texture holds up well to various fillings. For a different texture, cubes of the bread can be used to make croutons for salads or soups, or incorporated into savory bread puddings. It can also be a base for open-faced toasts with toppings.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to white bread, multigrain loaf typically has a denser crumb and a more pronounced, earthy flavor due to the variety of grains. Its texture is often chewier, and the presence of whole grains and seeds adds visual interest and a slightly coarser mouthfeel.
Who it is for
Home cooks and families looking for a bread with more substance and varied flavor profiles often choose this loaf.
How to keep the rest
To keep the remaining bread fresh, store it in its original packaging or a bread box at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the bread to dry out more quickly. For longer storage, you can slice the loaf and freeze it in an airtight bag.