The Best Homemade Rye Bread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade rye bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake something special with a touch of heartwarming flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to make while still delivering a rich, hearty taste.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like rye flour, yeast, and a hint of molasses for ease and authenticity.
- Perfect texture: Combines a crusty exterior with a soft, chewy inside for that classic bakery feel.
- Versatile use: Great for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a smear of butter—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Recipe
Rye bread is a hearty, flavorful loaf with a dense texture and slightly tangy taste, perfect for sandwiches or toasting. This traditional recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious homemade bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add rye flour, bread flour, caraway seeds, salt, and oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes:
- For a stronger rye flavor, replace ½ cup bread flour with additional rye flour.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cuisine:
European
Serving:
1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Nutrition
This rye bread recipe provides a wholesome option for your meals. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade rye bread with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a simple yet satisfying snack. It’s also perfect alongside a warm bowl of soup, like creamy tomato or hearty vegetable. The flavors just seem to come together in the best way!
Cheese Pairings
Since rye bread has such a unique flavor, pairing it with cheese can be a fun way to elevate your meal. I love building cheese platters with sharp cheddar or creamy brie—their boldness balances the bread’s earthy notes. For wine accompaniments, try a dry red or crisp white to round out the flavors. Gouda and Swiss also work wonders, melting beautifully on warm slices. Don’t forget blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous! The tangy bite pairs surprisingly well with rye’s depth. Experiment with different combos—you might just find your new favorite snack.
Soup Combinations
When you’ve got a loaf of homemade rye bread, pairing it with soup turns a simple meal into something cozy and satisfying. I love dunking thick slices into a bowl of chilled gazpacho on a hot summer day—it’s invigorating and hearty at the same time. For colder evenings, creamy bisques like lobster or mushroom are my go-to; the bread soaks up all that rich flavor perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll even toast the rye for a bit of crunch. It’s amazing how these combinations elevate both the soup and the bread, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
