Breads Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Bread Machine Sage-Wheat Bread
A fragrant whole-wheat loaf scented with sage and a hint of cornmeal, made effortlessly in a bread machine.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Instructions
4 steps- 1
Add all of the ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer, typically liquids first, then dry ingredients, with the yeast added last in a small well in the flour so it does not touch the liquid.
- 2
Select the whole wheat, regular, or basic white setting and a medium crust color, then start the machine.
- 3
Let the machine complete its full cycle of kneading, rising, and baking, about 3 hours depending on the model.
- 4
When the cycle finishes, turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing, about 30 minutes.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
69/100
Works for many families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving120
Calories
3 g
Protein
21 g
Carbs
3 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
The bread machine became a kitchen fixture in the 1990s, letting home cooks make fresh loaves with a press of a button, and herb-and-whole-wheat breads were among its most popular savory uses. Sage, a hearty, earthy herb tied to autumn and poultry, pairs naturally with the nutty depth of whole wheat. This loaf is a hands-off way to bring a savory, aromatic bread to the dinner table.
Listahan note
This version is built for the bread machine: layered in the right order for an even rise, with whole wheat for body and chopped sage for a savory, herbal aroma. It keeps the sweetness minimal so it pairs with soups and roasts.
Technique cues
- Add the ingredients to the machine in the order your manual specifies, usually liquids first and yeast last, so the yeast does not touch the salt or liquid before mixing starts.
- Use the whole-wheat cycle if your machine has one, since whole wheat needs a longer knead and rise to develop properly.
- Add the sage with the flour rather than later, so it distributes evenly and its oils infuse the whole loaf.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Chop the sage and measure all ingredients before you start, so you can load the machine in the correct order without pausing.
- Make-ahead
- Use the machine's delay-start timer to have a fresh loaf finish right at dinner or breakfast.
- Leftover move
- Cube day-old loaf and toast into savory croutons or a sage-flecked stuffing base.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Remove the paddle and soak the pan right after the loaf comes out, before dough residue dries onto the nonstick surface.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
whole wheat flour
nutty structure
Purpose: Whole wheat gives the loaf its hearty body and earthy flavor that pairs with the sage.
Handling: Combine with some bread flour for a better rise, since pure whole wheat is dense.
Adaptation: White whole wheat is milder; all bread flour makes a lighter, less nutty loaf.
fresh sage
signature herb
Purpose: Sage gives the bread its savory, autumnal aroma that sets it apart from plain wheat bread.
Handling: Chop finely and add with the flour so it infuses evenly.
Adaptation: Dried sage works at about a third the amount; thyme or rosemary give a different savory note.
bread flour
gluten strength
Purpose: Its higher protein supports the rise that heavy whole wheat alone cannot sustain.
Handling: Layer it with the whole wheat per machine order.
Adaptation: All-purpose works with a slightly lower rise; vital wheat gluten can boost a whole-wheat-heavy loaf.
yeast
leavening
Purpose: Yeast drives the rise that gives the machine loaf its soft, even crumb.
Handling: Add it last, in a small well in the flour, away from salt and liquid.
Adaptation: Use the bread-machine or instant yeast the manual recommends for reliable results.
honey
feed and balance
Purpose: A little honey feeds the yeast and softens the assertive whole-wheat flavor.
Handling: Add with the liquids so it dissolves.
Adaptation: Maple syrup or sugar both work as the sweetener.
Technique notes
- Check the dough ball a few minutes into the knead and add a teaspoon of water or flour if it looks too dry or too slack.
- Remove the loaf from the pan promptly after the cycle ends so the bottom does not steam and turn soggy.
- Brush the warm crust with a little melted butter and extra sage for a fragrant, glossy finish.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free option
- Use water or plant milk and skip any butter finish or use a vegan spread.
- Whole-grain direction
- Push the whole wheat ratio higher and add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to keep the rise.
- Herb variation
- Swap sage for rosemary and thyme for a different savory bread that suits Mediterranean meals.
Serve alongside
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Butternut squash soup
- Sharp cheddar
- Garlic-herb butter
- Hot apple cider
- Dry white wine
- Black tea
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Keep the cooled loaf in a bread box or paper bag at room temperature for three days; freeze rather than refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm oven to revive the crust. The loaf freezes well sliced for up to three months.
Equipment
- Bread machine
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for chopping sage
- Wire cooling rack
Make this household-aware
Listahan Pro checks this recipe against your household's allergens, finds pantry-aware swaps, builds the shopping list, and helps you plan the week around it.
Plan it in Listahan
Add Bread Machine Sage-Wheat Bread to your week, check it against your household's allergens, and build the shopping list automatically.
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