Bread Machine Sunflower Seed Bread

This sunflower seed bread machine recipe is a combination of my favorite and most delicious bread recipes - honey wheat bread, flaxseed bread, 100% whole wheat bread and basic fluffy white bread.

It's super versatile - great on its own, with savory toppings, or spread with jams, honey or homemade apple butter. Sunflower seed bread is delicious topped with avocado and tomato, roasted tomatoes and peppery arugula and toasted with fried eggs and melted cheese or cream cheese. You can use it for a wholesome version of peanut butter toast or strawberry toast for morning breakfast, brunch or easy snacking.

Ingredients

This recipe yields a large 2 pound loaf.

• 1 ½ cups warm water 115℉
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• ½ cup wheat germ
• 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten
• 2 tsp yeast active dry, instant or bread machine
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

Step-By-Step Instructions

There are 2 ways to make sunflower seed bread in your bread maker. Either use the whole wheat bread setting to bake it directly in the machine or use the dough cycle and bake it in the oven. Instructions are:

1. Add the ingredients in the order listed to the bread maker pan.*The ingredients are listed in the order that Cuisinart machines require them to go. Check your brand's manual for the correct order to add ingredients. If it differs, add them in the order that your manual states.
2. MACHINE BAKE: Select the whole wheat bread setting, choose the 2 lb loaf size and your preferred crust color. Set the machine to add in mix ins, and when it chimes add the sunflower seeds. After the last rise and before the bake cycle begins, brush the dough lightly with milk and sprinkle on additional sunflower seeds (optional). When baking is complete, turn off the bread machine. Remove the bread pan and the bread immediately. Cool on a wire rack completely before slicing.
3. OVEN BAKE: Select the dough cycle, choose the 2 pound loaf size and select the mix in option. Add the sunflower seeds when the mix in signal chimes. Remove the dough from the bread pan when the dough cycle is complete. Reshape into a rectangle and place on a floured baking sheet or put into a loaf pan. Cover with a towel, put in a warm place and let rise 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Brush the dough lightly with milk and sprinkle on additional sunflower seeds if desired. Transfer to an oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 40 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped/the internal temperature reaches 190℉. Remove bread from the baking sheet immediately and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

How To Store Homemade Bread

A bread box, linen bread storage bags or plastic food storage bags should all keep your bread fresh for 2-3 days. For longer storage, cut into slices and freeze for up to 6 months. Defrost per slice as needed.