Do you love the hearty multigrain bread served at First Watch restaurants? With its nutty flavor and crunchy seeds, this fiber-filled loaf makes the perfect base for avocado toast, sandwiches, and more. The great news is that you can easily recreate this delicious First Watch multigrain bread recipe at home!
Making your own multigrain bread may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. This easy recipe only requires basic ingredients that you likely have in your pantry and fridge already. A few key steps like proofing the yeast, allowing the dough to rise properly, and baking at the right temperature are all it takes to create a wholesome artisan-style loaf.
Follow this simple, step-by-step First Watch multigrain bread recipe and enjoy freshly baked bread with your next meal!
Ingredients
Dry Mix:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour: The base of our bread is nutrient-rich whole wheat flour.
- 2 tbsp oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add great texture.
- 2 tbsp flax seed powder: Ground flaxseeds boost the nutritional value.
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds: For crunch and flavor.
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds: More crunch and beautiful speckles.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for flavor.
- 1 tbsp yeast powder: Active dry yeast helps the bread rise.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Just a touch of sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk with 3 tbsp melted butter: Milk helps activate the yeast and butter enriches the dough and adds moisture.
- Butter for greasing: To prepare the loaf pan.
- Egg white for brushing: Gives the crust a glossy sheen.
- Leftover seeds and oats for sprinkling
- Zaatar for topping: For a Middle Eastern twist.
kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Loaf Pan
- Brush
- Bread Knife
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make multigrain bread just like First Watch:
Step 1: Prepare Dry Mix
In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, oats, flax seed powder, sunflower seeds, black sesame seeds, salt, yeast powder, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Slowly pour the warm milk and melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients while continuously kneading the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. This process should take about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Allow to Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Punch and Knead Again
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Knead it again for a few minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Loaf Pan
Grease a loaf pan with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the greased loaf pan. Allow it to rise for an additional 20 minutes.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Brush the top of the loaf with egg white and sprinkle leftover seeds and oats on top for added crunch. with zaatar topping.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy every nutrient-packed bite!
Special Notes
- The flaxseed powder provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to refrigerate leftover flaxseed powder to prevent it from going rancid.
- For best results, allow the dough to rise slowly at room temperature over 2 risings. This allows the yeast to work thoroughly for maximum rise and flavor.
- The egg white wash gives the loaf a gorgeous sheen and enhanced crispness.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
For fresh bread anytime, consider these options:
Make Ahead
After the first rise, shape dough into loaf, let rise again, then wrap well and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Freezing
Let the baked, cooled loaf sit at room temperature for 4 hours before freezing up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
You can also freeze unbaked dough after the first rise. Thaw in the fridge, let rise again, and bake as directed.
Uses for Leftover First Watch Multigrain Bread
A homemade multigrain loaf rarely goes to waste. Here are some delicious ways to use up any leftover bread:
- Breadcrumbs – Let slices dry then process into crumbs for coating chicken, fish, etc.
- Panzanella Salad – Cubed bread, tomatoes, onions, basil, olive oil, and vinegar.
- Breakfast Bruschetta – Top toasted bread with smashed avocado, poached eggs, and bacon bits.
- Bread Pudding – Combine torn bread pieces with egg custard, dried fruits, and nuts and bake into a sweet pudding.
- Croutons – Toss cubed bread with oil, garlic, and herbs then bake into crunchy croutons.
- Bread Dumplings – Add torn bread to the dough for light and fluffy dumplings.
- Meatloaf – Use torn bread soaked in milk in place of traditional breadcrumbs to bind meatloaf.
FAQs
Have more questions about making this hearty First Watch style multigrain bread at home? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What can I substitute for whole wheat flour?
You can substitute all-purpose, bread, or white whole wheat flour. The bread may be lighter in texture and color.
What if I don’t have flaxseed powder?
Ground chia seeds or wheat germ can be used instead. Or simply omit for a more basic multigrain loaf.
Can I use quick rise/rapid rise yeast?
Yes, just reduce the amount to 1 1⁄2 teaspoons. The bread may have a bit less complex flavor.
What if the dough doesn’t rise enough?
Be sure the yeast is active and the milk is warm enough to properly activate it. Make sure your kitchen isn’t too cold as this can inhibit rising. You can give it an extra 30 minutes if needed.
Why does my bread have a dense texture?
Over-kneading can cause the gluten to become too elastic and tight. Knead just until the dough is smooth and passes the “windowpane test” – where you can stretch the dough thin enough to see light through. Exact rising times are also key.
How do I adjust ingredients for high altitude?
The lower air pressure makes dough rise faster. Reduce yeast slightly and liquid by 2 tbsp. Add 2 tbsp extra flour.
First Watch Multigrain Bread Recipe
This First Watch Multigrain Bread Recipe produces a deliciously nutrient-dense loaf with whole wheat flour, oats, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Dry Mix:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp oats
- 2 tbsp flax seed powder
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp yeast powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk with 3 tbsp melted butter
- Butter for greasing
- Egg white for brushing
For Sparkling & Topping:
- Leftover seeds and oats
- Zaatar
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Mix: In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, oats, flax seed powder, sunflower seeds, black sesame seeds, salt, yeast powder, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour the warm milk and melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients while continuously kneading the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. This process should take about 10 minutes.
- Allow to Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch and Knead Again: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Knead it again for a few minutes.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the greased loaf pan. Allow it to rise for an additional 20 minutes.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Brush the top of the loaf with egg white and sprinkle leftover seeds and oats on top for added crunch. with zaatar topping.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy every nutrient-packed bite!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 4gSodium: 230mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
Final Words
Baking your own multigrain bread at home allows you full control over the ingredients to create a loaf tailored to your taste and nutrition needs. Once you master the straightforward mixing, kneading, and baking process, you can experiment with different flour and seed combinations. Feel free to adjust the proportions to find your perfect multigrain loaf.
This hearty First Watch Multigrain Bread Recipe produces a nutrient-dense bread with a wonderful texture and complex flavor. The addition of flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, oats, and sesame seeds takes it to the next level in nutrition and taste. Enjoy it on its own or use for sandwiches, French toast, croutons, and more. The options are limitless with this staple multigrain bread.
Thank you for this. We love the bread at FW. I made it today. It came out denser and darker. I might try regular flour.