100% Rye Bread Recipe
This wholesome 100% Rye Bread recipe combines nutrient-rich rye flour with a mix of sesame and pumpkin seeds soaked in boiling water for added moisture and texture. The bread is naturally leavened with active dry yeast, resulting in a dense, flavorful loaf with a firm crust and a tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Seed Soak
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup boiling water
Dough
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- 3 cups rye flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Soak seeds: Place sesame and pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over them and let them soak for 15 minutes to soften and release their flavors.
- Activate yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm water with the dry active yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough: Add the soaked seeds, rye flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly until you form a sticky, cohesive dough.
- Prepare pan: Grease a loaf pan or line a Dutch oven with oil or parchment paper. Transfer the dough into the pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula or wet hand.
- First rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has slightly puffed but not necessarily doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes until the crust turns firm, golden brown, and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly and ensure cleaner slices.
Notes
- Use whole rye flour for best results—light rye flour may alter texture.
- Ensure yeast is fresh and active; expired yeast can prevent proper rising.
- For a stronger crust, bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or Dutch oven lid slightly ajar to vent.
- The bread is dense and slightly sticky due to 100% rye flour, which contains less gluten than wheat flour.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: 100% rye bread, rye seed bread, homemade rye bread, rye flour bread, rye and seed loaf