Cheesy Beer Bread with Fennel Seeds
A savoury quick-rise loaf packed with cheddar, parmesan and fennel seed, with a tender crumb and crisp golden crust.
Hearty Wholemeal Bread
This hearty wholemeal bread is an excellent everyday loaf for toast, sandwiches, and soups. It balances rich wholemeal flavour with a soft interior, so it feels both rustic and easy to eat.
The dough is straightforward to work with and bakes into a deeply satisfying homemade loaf with great texture and a beautiful crust.
Ingredients
- Butter optional, to serve
- 150 g Strong white bread flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 7 g Yeast instant
- 350 g Wholemeal flour
- 1 tbsp Honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil plus extra for greasing
- 320 ml Water warm
Method
20m40m2h 10m
- Combine wholemeal flour, white bread flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir honey into warm water, then add with olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Mix into a shaggy dough, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 60–75 minutes until doubled.
- Knock back the dough and shape into a loaf. Transfer to a greased loaf tin or baking tray.
- Cover and proof again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding underneath.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
If the dough feels dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading.
For a softer crust, cover the loaf with a clean tea towel while it cools.
Slice fully cooled bread with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Keep exploring
Keep cooking
Related recipes
Homestyle One-Pot Chicken Casserole
Tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and a rich thyme gravy cooked together in one comforting pot.
Black Pudding & Apple Salad
A unique and flavorful Black Pudding and Apple Salad with warm black pudding slices, mixed greens, apples, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette.
Cheesy Leek & Ham Hock Stuffed Jacket Potatoes
Experience the cosy comfort of Cheesy Leek & Ham Hock Stuffed Jacket Potatoes, a traditional British dish that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.