Wild Rice Walnut Bread Recipe – A Rustic, Nutty Artisan Loaf with Hearty Texture

Wild Rice Walnut Bread Recipe

This Wild Rice Walnut Bread recipe blends hearty whole grains, cooked wild rice, and toasted walnuts into a rustic, bakery‑style loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or pairing with soups and stews. Featured on A Is For Apple, this recipe combines wild rice, whole wheat flour, honey, and walnuts to create a chewy, nutty bread that’s as nutritious as it is delicious—and surprisingly easy to bake at home.

The Inspiration

Wild rice and walnuts have deep roots in North American food traditions, offering rich texture, earthy flavor, and impressive nutritional benefits. Host Lauren Gulyas draws on these ingredients to craft a bread that feels both wholesome and artisanal. This episode of A Is For Apple highlights pantry staples in new, inventive ways—transforming wild rice from a side dish into a stunning, bakery‑worthy loaf. Viewers will love the bread’s hearty structure, nutty aroma, and versatility, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 package (2 teaspoons) (10ml) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup warm water (83ml) (110F to 115F) (43°C-46°C)
• 2 cups (500ml) warm milk (110F-115F) (43°C-46°C)
• 2 cups (500ml) whole wheat flour
• ½ cup (125ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter melted
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) salt
• 4 cups (1 liter) bread or all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250ml) cooked wild rice, cooled to room temperature
• 1 ¾ cup walnuts (437ml) toasted and chopped fine
• Extra flour for dusting work surface
• Drizzle of olive oil for oiling bowl
• Egg wash:
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) water

Methods

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast (without stirring) in the 1/3 cup (83ml) of the warm water.  This should take 10 minutes.
• Add the milk, whole wheat flour, honey, butter, salt and 2 cups (500ml) of bread flour.
• Using a wooden spoon, beat until smooth.
• Stir in wild rice, walnuts and enough of the remaining bread flour to form a stiff dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.  Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to oil the top of the bread round.
• Cover with plastic wrap.
• Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half.  Shape into rounds.  Transfer on to a parchment lined tray 4 inches (10cm) apart.
• Cover loosely with a damp towel and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Beat the egg and cold water; brush over loaves using a pastry brush.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.  (To ensure your bread is fully baked; pick the loaf up and gently tap on the bottom the bread, it should give off a hollow sound).
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Wild Rice Walnut Bread is a wonderfully versatile loaf with a hearty crumb and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. Slice it thick for sandwiches layered with roasted vegetables, turkey, or sharp cheese; toast it for breakfast with butter, jam, or honey; or serve it alongside hearty soups and stews where its grainy chew adds satisfying texture. It’s also excellent on a charcuterie board, where the walnuts complement cured meats, aged cheeses, and fruit preserves. For a cozy meal, pair warm slices with herb‑infused olive oil or whipped maple butter for an unforgettable treat.

Final Thoughts

This Wild Rice Walnut Bread recipe celebrates wholesome ingredients and artisanal baking, bringing together wild rice, toasted walnuts, and whole grains in a loaf that’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, this bread showcases how simple ingredients can produce bakery‑quality results at home. Whether you’re slicing it fresh, toasting it, or sharing it at the table, this bread invites creativity and comfort in every bite.

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