Multigrain Sandwich Bread Recipe

For the Grains: Combine flax, chia, oats, and wheat germ in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Add water and stir until fully absorbed, then cover tightly.

For the Autolyse: In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour with the first addition of water. Stir until water is absorbed; then knead briefly against the sides of the bowl until no floury bits remain. Cover and set aside for 2 1/2 hours.

For the Dough: Transfer hydrated dough to a 14-cup food processor fitted with the regular metal blade (not the dough blade), along with brown sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Process until dough is silky smooth, and a small piece can be stretched into a thin sheet without tearing, about 75 seconds. The exact timing will vary with the power and capacity of a given machine. For smaller machines, the reduced capacity and power will necessitate dividing dough in half to process in stages.

Once gluten is well developed, drizzle in the remaining water and oil while the processor is running, and continue mixing until roughly incorporated. Shut off the machine, add the prepared grain mixture, and continue processing only until homogenous. At this stage, the dough will feel sticky, wet, and elastic, but a little gnarly from the seeds.

First Rise: Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased bowl (it's fine to reuse bowl from autolyse, no need to wash). Cover and proof until puffy, light, and roughly doubled in bulk, about 2 hours at 70°F (21°C). In a chilly kitchen, the dough will need more time to rise, and in a warmer kitchen, it will move faster. Proofing is best judged by touch, not time.

Shaping the Loaf: Turn soft dough out onto a clean surface lightly dusted with whole wheat flour. Pat dough into a 7-inch square, and form into a tight log, sealing dough together with the heel of your hand. Nestle into a lightly greased 1-pound loaf pan, seam side down; cover loosely as before.

Second Rise: Let dough proof until puffy, light, and risen about 2 1/2 inches above rim of pan at the very center. To test, poke dough gently with a flour-dusted fingertip; when dough is ready, it will retain a shallow impression that springs back after a minute. If dough is firm and springs back right away, continue proofing until dough retains a shallow impression. This will take about 75 minutes at around 70°F (21°C). Again, timing of the process will vary based on environmental conditions and is best judged by touch. Near the end of this period, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Baking the Loaf: After the second rise, uncover the dough and bake until well risen, golden brown, and hollow sounding when thumped; about 45 minutes, or to an internal temperature of approximately 200°F (93°C). Immediately turn loaf out onto a wire rack, and cool completely before slicing, at least 90 minutes. Slice with a sharp serrated knife. The loaf will keep up to a week at room temperature in a bread box or paper bag.