Introduction

Bread is a staple in many households around the world, but for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, finding a healthy, low-calorie version that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture can be a challenge. However, with this WW Classic Homemade Bread recipe, you can enjoy fresh, warm bread without worrying about overindulging on SmartPoints.

Baking bread from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought bread. This recipe is designed with WW in mind, using high-quality, simple ingredients to create a soft, airy loaf with a perfect crumb texture. Whether you want to enjoy it for breakfast with a light spread, as a side to soups and salads, or as the base for a sandwich, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll cover all the steps necessary to make WW Classic Homemade Bread, along with helpful tips, nutritional breakdowns, and SmartPoints calculations to ensure that it fits perfectly into your WW meal plan. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To create the best WW Classic Homemade Bread, you’ll need to gather some basic ingredients that are both healthy and full of flavor. This recipe is made to be light on calories and SmartPoints while ensuring you get the soft, delicious bread you crave.

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – Yeast is essential for helping the bread rise, giving it the soft, airy texture we love. Active dry yeast is widely available and inexpensive, making it perfect for this recipe.
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F/45°C) – The warm water helps activate the yeast. Be sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast, or too cold, as it will not activate properly.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar – Sugar helps the yeast to activate and get things going, though it doesn’t add much to the final calorie count since it’s evenly distributed.
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour – Whole wheat flour provides a nutty flavor, extra fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s also a healthier option than white flour, making it a great choice for this WW recipe.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – A small amount of all-purpose flour helps balance the texture of the bread, ensuring it has a soft crumb without being too dense.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the bread. It also helps control yeast fermentation, preventing the bread from over-rising.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil adds richness and helps keep the bread moist. It also provides healthy fats that contribute to the bread’s soft, tender texture.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar helps balance the dough and contributes to the development of a light, airy crumb. It’s also good for enhancing the bread’s flavor.
  • 1/4 cup water (additional) – A little extra water is needed to help bring the dough together.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the baking process. This recipe will take a bit of time to make, but the results are well worth it. Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly risen, flavorful loaf of homemade bread.

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    Begin by combining the warm water (about 110°F/45°C) and sugar in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly. This process is known as “proofing,” and it confirms that the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This helps create a uniform dough when you mix in the wet ingredients.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
    To the activated yeast mixture, add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined. The olive oil will add moisture and tenderness to the bread, while the vinegar helps with the rise and texture.
  4. Form the Dough:
    Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add extra flour a little at a time. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it forms a dough that’s not too wet or dry.
  5. Knead the Dough:
    Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and begin to knead it. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This is a critical step to develop the gluten, which will give your bread the right texture. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it could make the bread dry.
  6. Let the Dough Rise:
    Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on your oven to 200°F (90°C) for a minute to warm it up, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
  7. Punch Down the Dough:
    After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface again and give it a quick knead to deflate it completely. This step ensures your bread has a nice, even crumb and prevents it from becoming overly airy.
  8. Shape the Dough:
    Shape the dough into a loaf by gently folding the edges into the center, then rolling it up from one end to the other. Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure it’s centered and evenly distributed.
  9. Second Rise:
    Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan. This final rise ensures your bread will be fluffy and light.
  10. Preheat the Oven:
    While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread will bake evenly and thoroughly.
  11. Bake the Bread:
    Once the dough has risen in the pan, place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should reach about 190°F (88°C).
  12. Cool the Bread:
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from being too doughy when sliced.

Additional Tips for Perfect WW Classic Homemade Bread

  1. Kneading Technique: Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough. If you’re new to bread-making, you can watch videos online to help you learn the proper technique. It’s a good workout for your arms!
  2. Flour Substitutes: You can experiment with different types of flour to suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bread, you can use more all-purpose flour. Alternatively, if you want a denser bread, you can use whole wheat flour exclusively.
  3. Storage: Homemade bread can be stored for about 3-4 days at room temperature, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. If you don’t plan to eat the entire loaf within that time, slice the bread and freeze it. Frozen slices can be toasted as needed for fresh bread at any time.
  4. Boosting the Flavor: For a more complex flavor, consider adding herbs, garlic powder, or even cheese to the dough. These ingredients add extra depth without increasing the SmartPoints by much.
  5. Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether your bread is done, tap the top of the loaf lightly. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

This WW Classic Homemade Bread recipe yields about 12 slices per loaf. Each slice provides:

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 16g
  • Sugar: 1g

WW SmartPoints (Based on Plan)

  • Blue Plan: 3 SmartPoints per slice
  • Green Plan: 3 SmartPoints per slice
  • Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints per slice

This homemade bread is a perfect option for those looking to keep their SmartPoints low while still enjoying a satisfying slice of fresh, warm bread. With plenty of fiber and protein to keep you feeling full, this recipe will help you stay on track with your WW goals.

Conclusion

Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated, and with this WW Classic Homemade Bread recipe, you can enjoy a healthier, lower-calorie version that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers meal plan. By using simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar, this bread remains soft, airy, and delicious without the extra calories.

Whether you’re using it to make sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoy it with a spread, this bread will become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, low in SmartPoints, making it an ideal choice for anyone on the WW program. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade bread—without the guilt!